LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / RankWire.AI / – Global electric vehicle sales increased by 9% year on year in July 2026, reaching 1.85 million units. This growth pushed worldwide sales during the first seven months to 11.5 million vehicles, representing a 4% rise from 2025. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence released the latest statistics on Aug. 13, covering both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. July also marked the fifth consecutive month of annual expansion in global EV demand after a sluggish start to 2026.
Among the leading EV markets, Europe experienced the most significant growth in July. Sales of electric vehicles in the region increased 33% from the previous year, totaling around 450,000 units. During the first seven months of 2026, the region’s sales grew by 28%. France saw an 81% annual boost in July, reaching a 37% EV market penetration rate. Germany’s EV sales climbed 46%, while the United Kingdom reported a 43% rise. Nonetheless, European EV sales in July were 17% lower than in June.
Across Europe, battery-electric vehicles continued their upward market share in the first half of 2026. Registrations reached 1.22 million units across the European Union, making up 20.7% of new car registrations, compared to 15.6% during the same period last year. Plug-in hybrid models accounted for an additional 9.8% of registrations. Meanwhile, Spain launched its Auto+ electric vehicle subsidy program on Aug. 4, offering up to 4,500 euros for qualifying new electric passenger cars.
Europe’s July growth outpaces China, which shows signs of contraction
China maintained its position as the world’s largest electric vehicle market by monthly volume despite a decline in July. Sales dipped 5% from the previous year to approximately 980,000 vehicles. From January through July, Chinese EV sales were 12% below the same period in 2025. Electric vehicles still made up over half of China’s vehicle market in the first seven months. Additionally, Chinese exports of new energy vehicles surpassed 500,000 units in July, setting another monthly export record.
In contrast, North American EV sales showed a downward trend. The region recorded roughly 140,000 EV sales in July, a 27% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the first seven months of 2026, sales declined by 18%. Specifically, in the United States, July EV sales fell 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 15% compared to the same period in the previous year.
Regional differences in EV market dynamics become more apparent
Markets outside China, Europe, and North America experienced the most rapid percentage gains in July. These areas saw EV sales rise 97% year on year to around 280,000 units. Despite this surge, two of the three largest regional markets recorded annual declines, with China still accounting for more than half of the global July EV sales volume. Europe contributed roughly a quarter, while North America remained a smaller fraction of the worldwide electric vehicle market.
Data for the entire 2026 period indicates a growing share of electric vehicles in total car demand. According to the International Energy Agency, EVs constituted 24% of global car sales during the first half. During the second quarter, electric car sales increased 4% year on year and grew 35% compared to the first quarter. Overall, global car sales declined by about 5% in the first half. Against this backdrop, July’s 9% increase in EV sales elevated cumulative global electric vehicle sales for 2026 to 11.5 million units.