BYD Denza Z9 GT makes its European debut (Source: BYD)
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) new Global EV Outlook, electric car sales are expected to hit 23 million in 2026, making up nearly 30% of all new cars sold worldwide. That comes after EV sales topped 20 million in 2025, up 20% year over year, with 1 in 4 new cars sold globally now electric.
The IEA says global EV sales momentum is continuing despite the ongoing energy crisis tied to the war in the Middle East. And in many places, rising fuel prices are actually making EVs look even more attractive to buyers.
EV sales dipped early in 2026 but most regions are still growing
Global EV sales fell 8% in Q1 2026 compared to the same period last year, following policy changes in China and the US. But that headline number doesn’t tell the full story. For example, close to 55% of new cars sold in China – 13 million – were electric in 2025, maintaining its spot as the world’s largest EV market.
