Global electric vehicle sales reached 1.1 million units in February 2026, according to new data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
Sales were down 11% compared to February 2025 and also fell 11% from January 2026, reflecting uneven performance across major markets.
Year-to-date sales for January and February totalled 2.2 million vehicles, an 8% decline compared to the same period in 2025.
China remained the largest EV market with 1.1 million units sold year-to-date, though sales fell 26%. Europe reached 0.6 million units, rising 21%, while North America dropped 36% to 0.17 million units.
Charles Lester said: “The global EV market’s divergence has sharpened further as 2026 progresses, with February’s performance underlining stark regional contrasts.”
Europe’s growth was supported by subsidy schemes in key markets including Germany and France, where EV sales increased 26% and 30% respectively.
Italy also recorded strong growth, with sales rising 23% month-on-month and 98% year-to-date.
North America remains under pressure despite an 8% monthly increase in February. US sales declines from major automakers contributed to a 36% year-to-date fall across the region.
China’s EV market declined 32% year-on-year in February following the reintroduction of a purchase tax and adjustments to trade-in incentives.
However, Chinese exports remain strong, with overseas shipments more than doubling year-on-year in the first two months of 2026.
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