Demand recovered in Q2 2026 despite pressure across the wider car market. Sales rose 35% from the first quarter, reaching record levels in 50 countries. Sales roughly doubled in five countries between March and June, compared with the same period in 2025. Over 90 countries recorded year-on-year growth in the first half. Analysts link this rebound partly to fuel-price volatility during the energy crisis. Electric vehicles may therefore help some countries reduce their dependence on imported oil.
China and US demand was weaker, limiting global growth. In China, electric cars may exceed 60% of sales, while total sales may stagnate from 2025. Chinese exports nearly matched 2025's total in six months; over one million remained available. New policy support could lift global sales to 29% in 2026. Competition is likely to intensify, especially in emerging markets.