LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / RankWire.AI / – According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, global electric vehicle sales grew by 9% in July 2026 compared to the previous year, totaling 1.85 million units worldwide. For the first seven months, sales reached 11.5 million vehicles, reflecting a 4% increase from the same period in 2025. These figures include both battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, marking a fifth consecutive month of annual growth, as noted by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. The data indicates a continued recovery in the market following a slower start to the year.
Europe was the top performer among major EV markets during July, with regional sales climbing 33% year-on-year to approximately 450,000 vehicles. The region’s EV sales from January through July also rose by 28%. France experienced an 81% year-over-year increase in July, while Germany’s growth was 46%. The United Kingdom saw a 43% rise. However, European EV volumes declined 17% from June, demonstrating contrasting monthly trends.
Battery-electric vehicles gained ground in the European Union, accounting for 20.7% of new car registrations in the first half of 2026, up from 15.6% a year earlier. During this period, registrations totaled 1.22 million units. Plug-in hybrids made up an additional 9.8%. Spain launched its Auto+ electric vehicle subsidy program on Aug. 4, offering up to 4,500 euros for eligible new electric passenger cars.
Europe demonstrates the strongest growth among leading EV markets
China remained the largest electric vehicle market by volume despite weaker July sales. The country reported around 980,000 EV sales, a 5% decline from July 2025. Cumulative sales for the first seven months were 12% below the same period last year. Electric vehicles still represented more than half of China’s total vehicle market during this timeframe. Chinese exports of new energy vehicles exceeded 500,000 units in July, setting another monthly record for shipments abroad.
North American sales dropped more sharply, falling to approximately 140,000 electric vehicles in July. The regional total decreased by 27% compared to the previous year. From January through July, sales were 18% lower than the same period in 2025. U.S. electric vehicle volumes declined over 30% year-on-year in July, impacted by the expiration of federal EV purchase tax credits in September 2025. The second quarter had already seen a 15% decrease in U.S. EV sales.
Emerging markets boost global EV demand with rapid growth
Markets outside China, Europe, and North America experienced the highest percentage growth in July, with sales jumping 97% year-on-year to nearly 280,000 vehicles. These gains contributed to the worldwide increase, even as China and North America saw declines. China still accounted for more than half of global EV sales in July, while Europe contributed roughly 25%. North America’s share of global EV demand remained comparatively small.
The International Energy Agency reported that electric vehicles made up 24% of global car sales during the first half of 2026. Their sales increased by 4% year-on-year in the second quarter and rose 35% from the first quarter, despite an overall global car sales decline of about 5%. The agency projects around 23 million electric cars will be sold worldwide in 2026. The 9% annual rise in July pushed cumulative global EV sales through July to 11.5 million units, according to the IEA.