Global EV sales reached 1.83 million units in August 2026, marking a 2% year-over-year increase. Total sales for the first eight months of the year hit 13.4 million, up 4% compared to the same period in 2025.
Europe saw a 36% year-over-year surge in August, with 380,000 vehicles sold. France, Germany, and the UK account for over half of these sales, supported by purchase incentives and affordable models. Spain also launched its €400 million Auto+ program.
In North America, sales dropped 33% year-over-year to 140,000 units in August. The region remains down 21% for the year, totaling 1 million EVs, partly due to the expiration of federal tax credits in September 2025 and limited vehicle supply.
China recorded 1.03 million EV sales in August, an 11% year-over-year decline, though pure BEV sales rose 0.8%. New energy vehicles captured 65.2% of the Chinese passenger car market. Exports of these vehicles reached a record 518,000 units in August.
Canada utilized 15,603 of its 24,500 lower-tariff permits for Chinese-built EVs by August 31. The remaining permits rolled over, setting a new six-month quota of over 33,000 units through February 2027.
Markets outside the three major regions grew by 97% year-over-year in August, reaching 290,000 sales. These regions totaled 2 million sales through August, maintaining positive global growth despite regional volatility.
