LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / RankWire.AI / – In July 2026, worldwide electric vehicle sales grew by 9% year on year, reaching a total of 1.85 million units. This rise contributed to a first seven-month total of 11.5 million vehicles sold globally, marking a 4% increase from 2025. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence provided these latest statistics on August 13, covering battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models. The month also signaled a fifth consecutive month of annual growth in global EV demand following a sluggish start to 2026.
Among the major EV markets, Europe experienced the most significant growth in July. Sales of electric vehicles in the region jumped 33% compared to the previous year, totaling approximately 450,000 units. During the first seven months of 2026, sales in Europe increased by 28%. France saw an 81% yearly surge in July and achieved a 37% EV penetration rate. Germany registered a 46% growth, while the United Kingdom reported a 43% rise. However, European EV sales in July were also 17% lower than in June.
Battery-electric vehicles continued to expand their market presence across Europe during the first half of 2026. Registrations reached 1.22 million units within the European Union, representing 20.7% of new car registrations—up from 15.6% during the same period last year. Plug-in hybrids contributed an additional 9.8% of registrations. Spain launched its Auto+ electric vehicle subsidy program on August 4, offering up to 4,500 euros for qualifying new electric passenger cars.
Europe dominates July growth as China experiences a decline
China remained the leading electric vehicle market globally by monthly volume, despite a 5% decrease in sales in July. The country sold approximately 980,000 vehicles, down from the previous year. From January to July, Chinese EV sales were 12% below the same period in 2025. Nonetheless, electric vehicles still accounted for over half of China’s total vehicle market during the first seven months. Additionally, Chinese exports of new energy vehicles surpassed 500,000 units in July, reaching another monthly record.
In contrast to Europe, North American EV sales showed a decline. The region recorded roughly 140,000 sales in July, representing a 27% drop from the same month last year. The first seven months of 2026 saw an 18% decrease in sales compared to 2025. In the United States, July EV sales fell by more than 30% year on year, following the expiration of federal purchase tax credits in September 2025. During the second quarter, U.S. EV sales had already declined by 15% compared to the previous year.
Regional markets exhibit contrasting trends in EV sales
Markets outside China, Europe, and North America experienced the highest percentage growth in July. These regions saw EV sales increase 97% year on year to approximately 280,000 units. This boost contributed to the overall global volumes, even as two of the three largest markets faced annual declines. China still accounted for more than half of July’s global EV sales volume, with Europe making up about a quarter, and North America remaining a smaller segment of the worldwide market.
Data for the full year of 2026 also indicates a rising share of electric vehicles within the global car market. According to the International Energy Agency, EVs made up 24% of all car sales during the first half of the year. Sales of electric cars increased by 4% year on year in the second quarter and grew 35% from the first quarter. Meanwhile, global car sales overall declined roughly 5% in the same period. Against this backdrop, the 9% rise in EV sales in July brought cumulative global electric vehicle sales for 2026 to 11.5 million units.