LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / RankWire.AI / – Worldwide electric vehicle sales increased by 9% in July 2026 compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 1.85 million units globally. In the first seven months, sales totaled 11.5 million vehicles, marking a 4% rise from the same period in 2025. These figures include both battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence noted that July marked the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year growth, signaling a continued recovery following a sluggish start to the year.
Among the world’s leading EV markets, Europe demonstrated the strongest expansion in July. Regional sales increased by 33% year-on-year to approximately 450,000 units. From January to July, EV sales in Europe grew by 28%. France experienced an 81% annual increase in July, Germany’s growth was 46%, and the UK saw a 43% rise. Despite the positive trends, European sales in July declined 17% compared to June, indicating a different trend on a month-to-month basis.
Battery-electric cars gained a larger share of new vehicle registrations within the European Union. Registrations hit 1.22 million units in the first half of 2026, accounting for 20.7% of new cars—up from 15.6% a year earlier. Plug-in hybrids made up an additional 9.8%. Spain launched its Auto+ electric vehicle subsidy program on Aug. 4, offering up to 4,500 euros for qualified new electric passenger cars.
Europe shows the strongest growth among major EV markets
China remained the top EV market by volume despite a weaker July. The country sold about 980,000 EVs, a 5% decrease from July 2025. The first seven months’ sales were 12% below last year’s figures. Still, electric vehicles accounted for more than half of China’s vehicle market during this period. Additionally, Chinese new energy vehicle exports surpassed 500,000 units in July, setting another monthly record for overseas shipments.
In North America, sales declined more sharply, totaling roughly 140,000 electric vehicles in July—a 27% drop compared to the previous year. The January through July period was 18% lower than the same span in 2025. U.S. EV volumes fell over 30% year-on-year in July, with the expiration of federal EV purchase tax credits in September 2025 contributing to the decline. During the second quarter, U.S. EV sales had already decreased by 15%.
Emerging markets accelerate global EV momentum
Markets outside China, Europe, and North America experienced the fastest growth in July, with sales jumping 97% year-over-year to around 280,000 units. This surge supported the global upward trend despite declines in China and North America. China still accounted for over half of the world’s EV sales in July, with Europe making up approximately a quarter. North American demand remained comparatively small on the international scale.
According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicles represented 24% of global car sales in the first half of 2026. EV sales increased by 4% year-over-year in the second quarter and grew by 35% from the first quarter, even as overall global car sales decreased by about 5%. The agency projects roughly 23 million electric cars will be sold worldwide in 2026. The 9% annual growth in July pushed total global EV sales through the first seven months to 11.5 million units.