Global electric vehicle (EV) sales rebounded in September 2026, reaching 2.15 million units as Europe recorded its strongest month ever, offsetting weaker demand in China and a sharp decline in North America.
According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, global EV sales increased 17% month-on-month but fell 2% year-on-year. Despite the September decline, year-to-date sales reached 15.5 million units, representing a 3% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
The latest figures highlight diverging trends across the world’s largest EV markets. Europe continues to accelerate its transition to electric mobility, while China’s domestic market faces mounting pressure and North America adjusts to the removal of US federal EV tax credits.
| Region | Sept-26, million | y-o-y | m-o-m | YTD, millions | YTD-26 vs YTD-25 |
| China | 1.11 | -18% | 7% | 8.1 | -13% |
| Europe | 0.60 | 39% | 62% | 3.9 | 30% |
| North America | 0.13 | -44% | -8% | 1.2 | -24% |
| RoW | 0.31 | 81% | 6% | 2.3 | 93% |
| Global | 2.15 | -2% | 17% | 15.5 | 3% |
Europe Sets New Monthly EV Sales Record
Europe emerged as the strongest-performing major EV market in September, with almost 600,000 electric vehicles sold. Sales climbed 39% year-on-year and 62% compared with August, surpassing the previous monthly record set in June by 10%.
Year-to-date EV sales growth in Europe reached 30% through September, up from 29% at the end of August. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) led the expansion, with sales rising 50% year-on-year, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) recorded more modest growth of 16%.
Several countries achieved new monthly records. The UK, France, Spain, Portugal and Finland all posted their highest-ever monthly EV sales.
France recorded an especially strong performance, with sales increasing 78% year-on-year to almost 80,000 units. Germany also delivered substantial growth, with EV sales rising 61% to 117,000 units.
In the UK, sales increased more than threefold compared with August, partly reflecting the traditional September registration plate change. However, EV penetration remained broadly stable at around 40%, indicating that electric vehicles continue to represent a substantial share of new-car sales.
Europe’s record performance reinforces the region’s position as a major growth engine for the global EV industry, even as other markets encounter headwinds.
China EV Sales Decline as Exports Reach Record High
China’s EV market continued to weaken in September, with sales falling 18% year-on-year. Although monthly sales increased 7% compared with August, the annual decline widened from 11% in the previous month.
The Chinese market remained down 13% year-to-date. Plug-in hybrids were particularly affected, with sales declining 25% compared with the same period last year. Battery electric vehicles performed better, recording a more moderate 6% decline.
Despite weaker domestic demand, Chinese manufacturers have maintained production levels and increased their focus on international markets. Passenger car new energy vehicle (NEV) exports reached a record 558,000 units in September, highlighting the growing importance of overseas markets for China’s automotive industry.
However, two upcoming policy changes could complicate the export outlook in 2027.
The European Union and China have agreed on a proposed arrangement to limit imports of Chinese-built full and plug-in hybrid vehicles into the EU. Subject to approval by EU member states, the measure would introduce an annual cap of 350,000 units from 2027 for four years, with the limit increasing by 6% annually from the second year.
The arrangement targets a rapidly expanding segment of the European market. According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Chinese-made vehicles accounted for approximately 14% of PHEVs sold across the EU, EFTA and UK in 2025. That share increased to 29% year-to-date in 2026.
China is also preparing to reduce its NEV export VAT rebate from 13% to 9% starting April 1, 2027. The change could increase export costs and squeeze manufacturers’ overseas profit margins, adding further pressure as domestic competition remains intense.
North American EV Sales Fall 44% After Tax Credit Expiration
North America recorded the sharpest annual decline among the major EV markets in September, with sales plunging 44% year-on-year and falling 8% from August.
The deterioration pushed the region’s year-to-date performance to a 24% decline, compared with a 21% drop at the end of August.
However, the figures require context. September 2025 was the final month before the expiration of the US federal EV tax credit, prompting many buyers to bring forward purchases to benefit from the incentive.
The unusually strong comparison period is therefore a major factor behind September’s steep decline. The latest figures do not necessarily indicate an equivalent deterioration in underlying demand.
Benchmark Mineral Intelligence expects the year-on-year comparison to become more favourable from the fourth quarter of 2026. Sales will be measured against the months immediately following the tax credit’s removal, when US EV demand dropped sharply.
As a result, reported annual declines across North America could narrow significantly, although the region’s recovery will depend on market conditions and consumer demand in the absence of the former federal incentive.
Global EV Market Faces Diverging Regional Trends
September’s figures reveal a global EV market increasingly shaped by regional differences. Europe’s record sales demonstrate continued momentum, supported by strong growth in battery electric vehicles and rising adoption across several major countries.
China, meanwhile, faces weaker domestic demand but continues to expand its international presence through record exports. Upcoming European import restrictions and changes to China’s export incentives could influence how manufacturers allocate vehicles and compete overseas.
North America remains under pressure following the expiration of US federal EV tax credits, although the impact of last year’s buying surge makes recent annual comparisons particularly severe.
With global EV sales reaching 15.5 million units in the first nine months of 2026, the market remains larger than a year ago despite September’s modest annual decline. The coming months will show whether Europe’s momentum and China’s export strength can offset continued weakness in North America and China’s domestic market.
[source: Benchmark Mineral Intelligence]
