In August 2026, the Chinese automotive market saw a record 65% penetration of plug-in vehicles, driven by a 24% year-over-year decline in internal combustion engine (ICE) car sales. Total market volume reached approximately 1.5 million units, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) being the only powertrain segment to record growth, rising 1% year-over-year.
The market breakdown in August shifted to 69% for BEVs and 31% for plug-in hybrids. Exports from Chinese manufacturers also surged, reaching 888,000 units, a 78% increase compared to the previous year. Electrified vehicles accounted for 58% of these exports, up from 40% in the same period last year.
Leapmotor continues to expand its presence in the B-segment. The A10 crossover recorded 30,652 registrations, while the A05 hatchback reached 8,340 units in its second month. The A10 is priced from ¥66 000. Meanwhile, the BYD Song midsize SUV saw 29,857 registrations, with prices ranging from ¥152 000 to ¥180 000.
The Geely Xingyuan remained a top seller with 39,651 registrations in August. Other notable performers included the Wuling Mini EV, the Changan Lumin with 8,637 units, and the Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7, which reached 23,471 registrations. The Tesla Model Y recorded 29,260 deliveries, while the Model 3 saw 20,787 registrations.
