As the global electric vehicle (EV) market evolves, Europe has emerged as a significant growth hub, marking a record September in EV sales. While certain regions face declines, Europe’s growth trajectory promises to reshape the landscape.
In September, Europe’s EV sales climbed to nearly 600,000 units, a 39% increase compared to the same month last year, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Globally, sales reached 2.15 million, showing a 17% rise from August, though slightly down by 2% from September 2025.
| Region | Sept-26, million | y-o-y | m-o-m | YTD, millions | YTD-26 vs YTD-25 |
| China | 1.11 | -18% | 7% | 8.1 | -13% |
| Europe | 0.60 | 39% | 62% | 3.9 | 30% |
| North America | 0.13 | -44% | -8% | 1.2 | -24% |
| RoW | 0.31 | 81% | 6% | 2.3 | 93% |
| Global | 2.15 | -2% | 17% | 15.5 | 3% |
The cumulative global sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have reached 15.5 million this year, showing a modest 3% rise from the previous year. However, the distribution of these sales reveals intriguing regional shifts.
Europe’s EV Surge
In a standout performance, Europe shattered its previous EV sales record from June by 10%. BEVs were the primary drivers of this growth, with sales surging 50% year-over-year, far outpacing the 16% growth seen in PHEVs.
Notably, countries like the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, and Finland reported their highest-ever monthly EV sales. France saw a remarkable 78% increase to nearly 80,000 vehicles, while Germany’s figures rose by 61% to 117,000 units.
September’s boost in the UK was partly seasonal, due to new registration plates, which traditionally uplift the entire car market. Despite this, the share of EVs remained stable at approximately 40% of total sales.
Across Europe, the month-over-month rise in EV sales was 62%, with the region’s year-to-date total reaching 3.9 million, marking a 30% annual increase.
North America’s Decline in Context
Conversely, North America experienced a significant downturn, with September sales plummeting 44% year-over-year to an estimated 130,000 units. This marks the sharpest drop in 2026 for the region, alongside an 8% decrease from August.
This steep decline is partially attributable to a high base effect; September 2025 witnessed a sales rush as buyers capitalized on the expiring $7,500 US federal EV tax credit. Benchmark’s Charles Lester advises that, as the year progresses, the comparative figures will likely show improvement as the effects of the tax credit’s removal fade.
Nonetheless, North America’s cumulative EV sales through September totaled 1.2 million, reflecting a 24% year-over-year decrease.
China’s Overseas Focus
China maintains its position as the largest EV market, with 1.11 million units sold in September, a 7% increase from August but an 18% drop year-over-year. This decline is more pronounced than the 11% drop seen in August.
EV sales in China for the year total 8.1 million, a 13% decline from the previous year. The decrease is largely due to a 25% drop in PHEV sales, compared to a 6% decline for BEVs.
Despite the downturn, Chinese automakers are focusing on exports, with passenger car exports in the new energy vehicle category reaching a record 558,000 in September, according to China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).
However, upcoming policy changes could challenge this export strategy. An awaited EU-China agreement could limit imports of Chinese-built BEVs and PHEVs to 350,000 in 2027, while China plans to reduce its export VAT rebate from 13% to 9% in April 2027.
Growth Beyond Major Markets
In regions outside China, Europe, and North America, September’s EV sales surged by 81% year-over-year to approximately 310,000 vehicles.
These markets have collectively purchased 2.3 million EVs this year, showcasing a 93% increase and highlighting a substantial area for growth, nearly doubling North America’s total.
Read more: EV sales are booming in Europe – and plunging in North America
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Original Story at electrek.co