Global sales of electric vehicles reached 2.0 million units in June 2026, bringing the total number of unit sales for the first half of the year to 9.6 million, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
June’s EV sales were 7% higher on a year-on-year basis, and 11% higher month-on-month, the data showed.
‘Regional divergence’
“The global EV market’s regional divergence continued in June 2026. Europe remains the main engine of growth after another record month for EV sales bring year-to-date growth up to 27% compared to the same period in 2025,” commented George Whitcombe, senior EV analyst, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
“This growth is supported by legislative drivers, subsidies and elevated fuel prices. However, an increasing number of small segment EVs from European vehicle manufactures are entering the market and ramping production. With these small EVs strongly supported by legislation in the region they are an area to watch in terms of supporting growth in the coming months and into next year.”
June 2026 was a record month for EV sales in many parts of Europe, with sales growing 28% month-on-month and 31% year-on-year.
France, Denmark, Spain and Portugal all recorded monthly highs, with France exceeding its previous record (set in December of last year) by 14%, and Renault accounting for four of the top-selling EVs in the country in June.
Along with Renault’s new Twingo, Volkswagen Group unveiled a new range of compact EVs, including the Volkswagen ID.Polo, Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq.
As Benchmark Mineral Intelligence noted, these smaller models are likely to broaden consumer adoption, while also enabling manufacturers to improve profitability. ‘Early signals suggest these new small EVs will prove popular with European consumers,’ it said.
North America and China
In North America, meanwhile, the EV market weakened amid the removal of tax credits and weaker legislative support. Sales in the region are down an estimated 20% in the year to date, with EV sales at GM and Ford declining faster than the electric vehicle market as a whole.
“The North American EV market remains hampered by weaker legislative drivers and a lack of subsidy support in the US, leaving the region’s EV sales down 20% year-to-date,” said Whitcombe.
“Overall, the global EV market continues to be defined by its mixed trajectory amid changing policy environments and China’s EV export push.”
Meanwhile, while China‘s EV market had showed signs of recovery following a slow start to the year, June saw a reversal of this trend, with sales falling 11% compared with the same month last year.
“China’s vehicle manufacturers continue to accelerate their EV export pivot as the domestic market remains down 14% year-to-date,” said Whitcombe. “These manufacturers are increasingly looking to expand further into the global market to offset the subdued domestic environment.” Read more here.
