Global EV sales reach 1.8 million units in May 2026

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, specialising in EV and battery supply chain research and insights, reports that 1.8 million electric vehicles were sold globally in May 2026, bringing YTD 2026 EV sales to 7.5 million. In May 2026, EV sales increased by 3% year-on-year (y-o-y) and by 7% month-on-month (m-o-m).

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence Data Manager, Charles Lester, commented:

"The global EV market continued its mixed regional trajectory in May 2026. Europe remains the standout performer, up 26% year-to-date, supported by policy incentives and a growing Chinese OEM presence. Fuel prices remain elevated and, with the situation in the Middle East continuing to evolve, the outlook for petrol prices will be one to watch in the coming months.

"China's domestic market remains subdued, down 15% year-to-date, though exports continue to surge to record levels, with BYD, Chery and Geely leading the charge internationally. The gap between China's domestic weakness and its export strength continues to widen.

"North America continues to lag, down 25% year-to-date, though Canada's newly established tariff quota agreement with China is beginning to open the door to new competition. Overall, regional divergence, China's accelerating export pivot, and shifting policy landscapes continue to define the global EV market."

Europe

In the European market, EV sales have grown by 2% m-o-m and by 23% y-o-y in May 2026, resulting in EV sales up by 26% YTD. The EV market continues to benefit from several EV subsidy schemes across Europe, alongside the impact on EV purchases due to rising fuel prices following the conflict in the Middle East.

The share of EVs sold in Europe that are produced in China has been increasing. Over 2025, 19% of EVs sold in Europe were produced in China. Now in 2026, this figure has been growing, despite the EU BEV tariffs and some subsidy schemes that are preferential toward more local, European EV production. In the UK, 32% of EVs sold YTD are produced in China. However, in Germany it is 14% and in France only 10%.

As the Chinese EV sales share grows in Europe, there have been announcements from Chinese OEMs to produce in Europe by utilising excess European capacity. This trend has accelerated notably in recent weeks. Stellantis has confirmed it will begin producing Leapmotor's B10 compact EV at its plant near Zaragoza, Spain, in the second half of 2026, with three further Leapmotor models planned. Stellantis is also reportedly considering producing Dongfeng models in Europe, while Ford has confirmed talks with Geely over the partial sale of its Valencia, Spain, plant. Nissan and Chery continue to be linked with an agreement to produce Chery models at Nissan's Sunderland, UK, facility. Elsewhere, a much-anticipated SAIC-MG announcement for a European facility was announced, expected to be built in Spain by 2028 with an annual capacity of 120,000 vehicles. BYD is expected to start EV production in Hungary toward the end of 2026, while reportedly pausing its project in Turkey.

North America

In North America, EV sales remain weak, down 26% y-o-y and down 25% YTD, following the major pull-back in OEMs' plans alongside the removal of the EV tax credit in September last year, alongside weaker legislative drivers.

Following Canada's announcement of a tariff quota agreement that allows 49,000 Chinese-built EVs to enter Canada at a lower rate, down from the previous 100% surtax, BYD has announced it will enter the Canadian market by the end of 2026. BYD confirmed plans for more than 20 dealerships across Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary, with an initial lineup including the Atto 3, Seal, Dolphin and Seagull.

China

Following a slow start to EV sales in China in the opening months of the year, EV sales have been improving and now sit at -15% YTD May 2026 vs YTD May 2025. Despite weaker EV sales across the country, battery demand has been impacted less. This is because the proportion of EVs sold in China has moved from smaller vehicles to larger vehicles, a direct impact of the change in subsidy scheme that was introduced in early 2026, therefore the average EV battery size (kWh) has increased in China so far this year.

Chinese NEV exports continue to climb to another monthly record at almost 450,000 units in May. Both BEV and PHEV exports saw strong growth. Following weaker domestic sales in China so far this year compared to 2025, more and more Chinese OEMs have looked to expand further into the global market. The major players include BYD, which leads EV exports, followed by Chery and Geely, while Tesla's Shanghai factory also remains a significant contributor to China's overall NEV export figures.

This insight draws from Benchmark's granular EV & Battery Service, consisting of monthly EV sales figures, detailed forecasts to 2040 and supply chain data. By bringing clarity to a complex and opaque market, this subscription facilitates smarter investment decisions, strategy planning and execution, and successful commercial outcomes. To learn more, submit your details below and our team will be in touch: