Electric Car Sales Reach Record Levels in 50 Countries
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Although global car sales declined during the second quarter of 2026, a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that electric vehicle sales increased significantly. The surge was also driven by the energy crisis triggered by developments in the Middle East, which renewed consumer interest in electric mobility amid volatile fuel prices.
According to the report Electric Car Markets in a Time of Uncertainty, global car sales fell by around five percent between January and June compared to the same period last year, mainly due to weaker demand in China and the United States. Nevertheless, electric car sales rose by 35 percent in the second quarter compared to the first quarter, with record sales recorded in 50 countries.
The strongest growth was seen in Australia, Brazil, India, South Korea, and Vietnam, where electric vehicle sales nearly doubled compared to the same period in 2025. Driven by this momentum and continued policy support across Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, the IEA now expects electric cars to account for 29 percent of global new car sales in 2026.
On the other hand, China is expected to experience stagnant electric car sales this year for the first time this decade. Although more than 60 percent of all new cars sold in the country are projected to be electric, the slowdown in the Chinese market is expected to weigh on global EV sales.
The report also highlights growing competition from Chinese manufacturers in international markets. During the first half of 2026, China’s electric car exports nearly matched the total volume recorded throughout 2025. More than one million exported vehicles are estimated to remain available for sale worldwide, potentially increasing pressure on established automakers.
Energy portal
