Global electric vehicle (EV) sales recovered strongly in the second quarter of 2026 after a weak start to the year, increasing 35% from the first quarter and setting quarterly sales records in 50 countries. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), stronger demand outside China and the United States, together with continued policy support in several regions, has led the agency to raise its outlook for global EV sales in 2026.
Key Overview
- Global EV sales rose 35% in Q2 2026 compared with Q1.
- More than 90 countries recorded year-on-year EV sales growth in the first half of 2026.
- The IEA now expects EVs to account for 29% of global car sales in 2026.
- Europe recorded the strongest growth among the major EV markets, with sales rising by more than 30%.
- China’s EV sales are expected to stagnate year on year, while Chinese EV exports continue to rise.
Global EV Sales Recover in Second Quarter
Global electric vehicle sales bounced back strongly in the second quarter of 2026 after a slow first quarter, jumping 35% from the first three months of the year and setting quarterly records in 50 countries.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), more than five-million electric cars were sold during the second quarter, contributing to over-nine million electric cars sold worldwide in the first half of 2026. Second-quarter sales were also up 4% year-on-year.
Although global electric car sales during the first half of the year were about 1% lower than during the same period in 2025, the performance remained relatively resilient against a 5% fall in overall global car sales from January to the end of June.
The IEA said EV sales fell in the first quarter, largely because of weakness in China and the United States, while buyers in many other markets continued to adopt electric vehicles.
Growth Expands Across Global Markets
The IEA reported that more than 90 countries recorded year-on-year growth in electric vehicle sales during the first half of 2026.
Among the strongest-performing markets were Australia, Brazil, India, Korea and Viet Nam, where sales between March and June roughly doubled compared with the same period in 2025.
In Europe, electric vehicle sales recorded the strongest growth among the major EV markets during the first half of the year, rising by more than 30%, with particularly strong sales in Germany, the UK, France, Italy and Spain.
The report also highlighted growth in Africa, where sales doubled to over 300,000, while South Africa recorded a fivefold increase in EV sales during the first half of the year.
The IEA noted that its electric car category includes both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
IEA Raises 2026 EV Outlook
Supported by strong growth outside China and the United States, together with continued policy support in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia, the IEA has raised its outlook for 2026.
The agency now expects electric vehicles to account for 29% of total car sales this year, one percentage point higher than its forecast in the Global EV Outlook 2026 released in May.
The IEA also expects global electric vehicle sales to increase by around 10% this year, even as the overall global automotive market is expected to decline in 2026.
China and US Face Different Challenges
The report said China is expected to experience year-on-year stagnation in EV sales for the first time this decade as its overall car market weakens.
Even so, more than 60% of new cars sold in China this year are expected to be EVs , representing an all-time high.
The IEA noted that the almost 20% drop in electric car sales in China strongly affected global sales volumes despite more than 90 countries recording year-on-year growth.
In the United States, EV demand has fallen sharply after the Trump Administration ended federal EV tax credits in September 2025 and weakened fuel-economy rules, removing two major incentives for consumers and manufacturers.
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Chinese EV Exports Continue to Rise
Despite slower domestic demand, China’s EV production remains strong.
The IEA said exports of Chinese electric vehicles during the first half of 2026 almost matched the country’s total exports for all of 2025.
The agency estimates that only around two-thirds of those exported vehicles have been sold. Including unsold exports from previous months, more than 1 million Chinese-made electric cars are now available for sale around the world.
According to the report, the additional inventory could support higher global EV sales, particularly in emerging markets where affordable Chinese models are gaining ground.
Fuel Price Volatility Supports EV Adoption
The IEA said the Middle East war and the resulting energy crisis have renewed attention on fuel costs and energy security.
Road vehicles consume nearly half of the world’s oil, leaving countries that depend heavily on oil imports exposed to fuel price spikes and supply disruptions.
The agency noted that several oil-import-dependent countries in Southeast Asia introduced temporary tax incentives and other measures to encourage consumers to switch to electric vehicles.
According to the IEA, these policies are intended to reduce energy dependence while supporting the transition toward cleaner transportation.
Outlook
Building on the strong momentum recorded during the second quarter and continued policy support in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia, the IEA expects global electric vehicle sales to grow by around 10% in 2026, with EVs accounting for 29% of total global car sales. While weaker demand in China and the United States is expected to continue weighing on global sales, strong growth across more than 90 countries and rising exports from China are expected to support the global market through the remainder of the year.
FAQs
1. How much did global EV sales increase in the second quarter of 2026?
Global EV sales increased by 35% compared with the first quarter of 2026.
2. What share of global car sales are EVs expected to reach in 2026?
The IEA expects EVs to account for 29% of total global car sales in 2026.
3. Which regions recorded strong EV sales growth?
Europe recorded the strongest growth among the major EV markets, while Australia, Brazil, India, Korea and Viet Nam also recorded strong growth.
4. Why has the IEA raised its 2026 EV outlook?
The agency cited strong growth outside China and the United States, together with continued policy support in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Sources: electrek, Engineering News, Asia Financial
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