Global EV Registrations Hit 1.6 Million in April, with Diverging Trends in Europe, US, and China

In April 2026, global registrations of new energy vehicles (NEVs)—including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)—reached 1.6 million units, up 6% year-over-year but down 9% from the record high seen in March. Registrations in Europe totaled approximately 400,000 units, a 27% year-on-year increase; in China, they stood at around 850,000 units, down 8% year-over-year; and in North America, registrations amounted to 120,000 units, a 28% decline compared to the same period last year. Multiple European countries continue to advance their electrification transitions, with European Economic Area (EEA) nations and Switzerland having pledged nearly €200 billion to support the EV ecosystem. In China, domestic demand weakened due to the expiration of subsidies for vehicle trade-in programs and the end of purchase tax exemptions for electric vehicles. However, exports remained robust—exceeding 400,000 units in April alone and totaling nearly 1.4 million units in the first four months of 2026, more than double the figure for the same period last year. In North America, U.S. market demand was dampened by the expiration of federal tax credits and proposed relaxations of CO₂ emission standards. Canadian sales declined by 7%, though new incentive measures are expected to improve the outlook. Meanwhile, Mexico saw sales surge by nearly 50%. Despite facing additional tariffs imposed by the European Union, Chinese brands have continued to gain market share in Europe. In the first four months of 2026, 22% of NEVs sold in Europe were manufactured in China, up from 19% during the same period in 2025.