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 the total sales for the first seven months of the year to 11.5 million vehicles, representing a 4% rise compared to 2025. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence published these latest figures on Aug. 13. Their data encompasses battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. July also marked the fifth consecutive month of annual growth in the worldwide EV market after a subdued start to 2026.
Among the major EV markets, Europe experienced the most significant growth in July. Sales of electric vehicles increased by 33% from the previous year to approximately 450,000 units. During the first seven months of 2026, sales in the region grew by 28%. France saw an 81% annual rise in July, reaching a 37% EV penetration rate. Germany’s sales grew by 46%, while the United Kingdom reported a 43% increase. Nonetheless, European EV sales in July were 17% lower than in June.
Battery-electric vehicles continued to expand their market share across Europe in the first half of 2026. Registrations reached 1.22 million units across the European Union, accounting for 20.7% of all new cars, up from 15.6% during the same period last year. Plug-in hybrid models represented an additional 9.8% of registrations. Spain launched its Auto+ electric vehicle subsidy program on Aug. 4, offering up to 4,500 euros for eligible new electric passenger cars.
Europe’s July growth outpaces China’s contraction
China remains the world’s top electric vehicle market by monthly sales volume, despite a 5% decline in July. Sales dropped to around 980,000 vehicles compared to the previous year. From January to July, Chinese EV sales were 12% below the same period in 2025. Despite the decrease, electric vehicles still made up over half of China’s total vehicle market during the first seven months. In July, Chinese exports of new energy vehicles surpassed 500,000 units, setting another monthly record.
In contrast, North American EV sales declined during July. The region saw approximately 140,000 units sold, a decrease of 27% from the previous year. Sales during the first seven months of 2026 were 18% lower than in the same period last year. In the United States, July EV sales fell by more than 30% year on year. This decline follows the expiration of federal purchase tax credits in September 2025. U.S. EV sales had already decreased by 15% in the second quarter compared to the previous year.
Distinct regional trends in EV sales emerge in July
Markets outside China, Europe, and North America experienced the fastest percentage growth in July. Electric vehicle sales in these regions increased by 97% year on year to roughly 280,000 units. Although these markets contributed to overall global volumes, two out of three leading regional markets showed annual declines. China still accounted for more than half of all electric vehicle sales globally in July, with Europe making up approximately a quarter, and North America remaining a relatively small part of the worldwide EV market.
Looking at broader data for 2026, electric vehicles are capturing a larger portion of total car demand. The International Energy Agency indicated that EVs constituted 24% of global car sales during the first half. Sales of electric cars increased by 4% year on year in the second quarter and grew by 35% from the first quarter. Meanwhile, global car sales overall declined by about 5% during the first half. Against this background, July’s 9% increase in EV sales brought the cumulative global electric vehicle sales for 2026 to 11.5 million units.