Global sales of electric vehicles returned to growth in October. Buyers purchased 2.09 million battery-electric and plug-in hybrid units, an 8% increase compared to the same month last year.
Total sales for the first 10 months of 2026 reached 17.5 million units. This figure represents a 5% rise over the same period in 2025.
Regional performance varied significantly:
- Europe recorded a 36% increase in sales.
- North America saw a 24% rise, marking its first annual growth of the year.
- Rest of the world markets grew by 85%, largely driven by Chinese exports.
China remained the largest market despite a 12% year-on-year decline in domestic sales. Manufacturers there responded by increasing exports, which reached nearly 600,000 units in October. While global momentum has recovered, the market remains sensitive to regional policy changes and export shifts.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
