LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / RankWire.AI / – In July 2026, global electric vehicle sales climbed by 9%, reaching a total of 1.85 million units worldwide. The first seven months of the year accounted for 11.5 million EV sales, representing a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2025. These figures include both battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reported that July marked a fifth consecutive month of yearly growth, continuing the market’s recovery after a sluggish start to 2026.
Among the major global EV markets, Europe led growth in July, with regional sales rising 33% year-over-year to approximately 450,000 units. From January through July, EV sales across Europe grew 28%. France experienced an 81% annual increase in July, while Germany’s growth reached 46%. The United Kingdom also saw a 43% rise. Despite this, European EV volumes declined 17% from June, indicating a different trend when comparing month-to-month data.
In the European Union, battery-electric cars gained a larger share of new vehicle registrations, reaching 1.22 million units in the first half of 2026. These models now account for 20.7% of new car registrations, up from 15.6% a year earlier, with plug-in hybrids making up an additional 9.8%. Spain launched its Auto+ electric vehicle subsidy program on Aug. 4, offering up to 4,500 euros for qualifying new electric passenger cars.
Europe exhibits strongest growth among leading EV markets
China maintained its position as the largest EV market by volume, even though July sales dipped slightly. The country reported about 980,000 EV sales, down 5% from July 2025. During the first seven months, sales were 12% below the same period last year, yet EVs still made up more than half of China’s vehicle market during that timeframe. Additionally, Chinese new energy vehicle exports exceeded 500,000 units in July, setting another monthly record for overseas shipments.
In North America, the market experienced a sharper decline, with July sales falling to roughly 140,000 electric vehicles, a 27% decrease from the previous year. From January through July, sales were 18% lower compared to the same period in 2025. U.S. EV volumes in July dropped over 30% year-on-year, following the expiration of federal EV purchase tax credits in September 2025. The second quarter had already seen a 15% decline in U.S. electric vehicle sales.
Other regions contribute to the global EV momentum
Markets outside China, Europe, and North America experienced the highest growth rates in July, with sales jumping 97% from the previous year to approximately 280,000 vehicles. This surge supported the overall global increase, even as China and North America faced declines. China remained responsible for more than half of the worldwide EV sales in July, while Europe accounted for about a quarter, with North America contributing a smaller share.
According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicles represented 24% of global car sales during the first half of 2026. EV sales increased by 4% year-over-year in the second quarter and grew 35% from the first quarter, despite a roughly 5% decline in overall global car sales. The agency projects approximately 23 million electric cars to be sold worldwide in 2026. The 9% year-on-year rise in July pushed total global EV sales to 11.5 million units for the first seven months of the year.