Preliminary data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) indicates that retail sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China reached 1.137 million units in September 2026. This figure represents a 12 percent year-on-year decline, despite a significant surge in demand during the final three days of the month, which accounted for approximately 310 000 units.
Wholesale performance for passenger NEVs reached 1.672 million units in September, marking an 11 percent increase compared to both the previous year and August. This total represents the highest monthly volume recorded in 2026. Year-to-date, wholesale sales of NEVs have reached 11.45 million units, reflecting a 9 percent growth year-on-year.
The broader passenger vehicle market experienced a sharper downturn, with retail sales falling 24 percent year-on-year to 1.702 million units. Gasoline-powered vehicle sales saw a 41 percent decline compared to the previous year. The CPCA attributes the shift in consumer preference partly to domestic gasoline price increases, which exceeded ¥830 per metric ton by late July.
China continues to expand its influence in the global NEV sector. During the first eight months of 2026, the country accounted for 62 percent of global passenger NEV sales, with that share climbing to 65.3 percent in July and August. Furthermore, Chinese brands secured 29 percent of the overseas NEV market in August, compared to 15.8 percent for the full year of 2025.
