Global electric-vehicle demand returned to growth in October, reflecting a very low comparison base in the United States and continued growth in Europe. According to Sina Finance, citing Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI), global sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rose 8% year over year to 2.09 million in October; year-to-date sales increased 5% to 17.5 million. BMI data manager Charles Lester said China’s year-over-year decline narrowed to 12% as manufacturers increased exports, with passenger new energy vehicle exports nearing 600,000, a monthly record. European sales rose 36%, supported by subsidies, higher fuel prices, EU emissions regulations, and a wider selection of models. October was the first month compared with a period without federal electric-vehicle tax credits in the United States. Lester said North American sales rose 24%, returning to growth, but the U.S. market was stabilizing at a low level rather than truly recovering. He added that sales in the rest of the world rose 85%, exceeding North America’s total, largely due to growth in Chinese exports.