Key facts
- Global electric vehicle demand rose 7% year-over-year in June to 2 million units.
- Europe's EV registrations increased by 31% in June, reaching a record 530,000 units.
- China's EV registrations declined 11% in June.
- North American EV registrations fell 13% due to the end of U.S. tax credits.
- Global EV sales for the first five months of 2026 reached 7.5 million vehicles.
- Europe remains the strongest performing major EV market in 2026, up 26% year-to-date.
Global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) saw a 7% year-over-year increase in June, reaching 2 million registrations, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth. This rise was primarily fueled by a strong performance in Europe, which recorded a record 31% increase in EV registrations to approximately 530,000 units. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence identified Europe as the main engine of EV growth.
Conversely, sales weakened in China and North America. China experienced an 11% decline in EV registrations, falling to around 1 million vehicles. North America saw a 13% decrease, attributed to the conclusion of U.S. EV tax credits. Despite weaker domestic demand, Chinese automakers continue to expand their presence internationally.
Data from May 2026 indicated global EV sales of 1.8 million units, with Europe showing a 26% year-to-date increase, supported by government incentives and rising fuel prices. Chinese-made EVs are increasing their market share in Europe, with plans for local production by companies like Stellantis and BYD.
Analysis from BCG suggests a divergence in EV adoption paths across major markets. While China's market remains buoyant, Europe and the U.S. are facing rockier growth due to policy changes and product-price mismatches. BCG's model predicts that by 2030, plug-in EVs will constitute 45% of total new vehicle sales globally, with China leading at 80%, Europe nearing 60%, and the U.S. projected to be below 30%.