Global EV Sales Rise 9% in July as Europe Drives Growth

Global electric-vehicle sales continued to grow in July 2026, reaching approximately 1.85 million vehicles, a 9% increase compared with the same month last year. The latest figures from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence mark the fifth consecutive month of global growth and bring total EV sales for the first seven months of the year to around 11.5 million, up 4% from the same period in 2025.

Europe was the strongest contributor to the global increase. Sales across the region reached roughly 450,000 vehicles in July, representing a 33% year-over-year increase. France recorded particularly strong growth, while Germany and the United Kingdom also posted substantial increases. Stronger government support, improving vehicle availability and growing consumer interest are helping Europe become the world’s fastest-growing major EV market.

China remained the world’s largest EV market but experienced a different trend. Total EV sales fell 5% year over year to about 980,000 vehicles in July. However, the headline figure hides an important distinction: battery-electric vehicle sales actually increased by around 6%, while plug-in hybrids and extended-range vehicles declined. This suggests that China’s EV market is not simply shrinking, but is undergoing a shift in consumer preferences and vehicle types.

North America was the weakest major region during the month. EV sales fell approximately 27% year over year to 140,000 vehicles, with the U.S. market facing pressure following the expiration of federal EV tax incentives. Through July, North American sales were around 18% below the previous year’s level. The contrast with Europe demonstrates how government policy and incentives can have a significant effect on EV adoption.

The July figures show that the global EV transition is continuing, but growth is becoming increasingly regional. Europe is accelerating rapidly, China remains dominant despite short-term weakness, and North America is moving in the opposite direction. With 11.5 million EVs already sold globally in the first seven months of 2026, the market remains on a strong long-term trajectory, although future growth will depend heavily on pricing, government policies, charging infrastructure and the availability of affordable electric models.