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Japan’s 2025 EV Sales Barely Edge Up as Toyota’s Revamped bZ4X Reorders the Leaderboard

Sparse charging options continue to hold back adoption.

Overview

  • Industry data show EV registrations rose 1.6% in 2025 to 60,677 vehicles, representing 1.6% of Japan’s new passenger-car market.
  • Registrations excluding minivehicles climbed 17.1% to 39,885 units, while EV minivehicles fell 19.0% to 20,792.
  • Toyota’s EV sales grew about 2.3-fold to 4,203, and its fourth‑quarter surge made it the top domestic EV brand for the first time on a quarterly basis.
  • The updated Toyota bZ4X launched in October with roughly 25% more range, faster charging, and a lower entry price, helping drive the late‑year gains.
  • BYD’s EV sales in Japan jumped 68.3% to 3,742 units, signaling stronger Chinese brand penetration as automakers reassess strategies in a sluggish market.