By Jesus Calero

(Reuters) -Global sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles grew 15% in August from a year ago, marking the slowest rate since January and reflecting tougher comparatives, market research firm Rho Motion said on Friday.

China’s EV sales growth, which averaged 36% a month in the first half, cooled to 6% in August. However, China sales are still expected to be strong in the fourth quarter as new funds become available for its subsidy schemes and the usual seasonal rebound, said Rho Motion data manager Charles Lester.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

China is the world’s biggest car market and accounts for more than half of global EV sales, which in Rho Motion’s data include battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

China’s overall car sales growth slowed to the weakest

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