EV Sales Scoreboard: US, EU, China and Korea Monthly — 2026-10-19
Global EV demand stalled in September 2026, with a 2% year-on-year decline driven by a sharp drop in North America, despite record-breaking growth in Europe. While China’s internal combustion engine sales collapsed by 49% and EV penetration hit a historic 67%, the US market faced a 44% plunge, signaling a stark divergence in regional adoption trends.
EV Sales Scoreboard: US, EU, China and Korea Monthly — 2026-10-19
Global Market Divergence: Europe Soars, North America Stalls
Global EV sales totaled 2.15 million in September 2026, a 2% year-on-year decline that ended six consecutive months of growth. While Europe achieved record-breaking sales, this growth was insufficient to offset a severe 44% year-on-year drop in North America. The divergence highlights a fragmented global transition, with European automakers gaining momentum while US demand faces headwinds.
China’s ICE Collapse and 67% EV Penetration
In China, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales crashed by 49% in September, while EV market share surged to 67%, a historic first where ICE vehicles account for less than one-third of the market. This shift represents a structural reversal from five years ago when ICE vehicles held a 90% share, fundamentally altering China’s energy dependency profile.
US Market Shows Signs of Life Despite Q3 Slump
Despite the dramatic year-on-year drop in September, US EV sales have shown resilience with growth over the last three consecutive quarters. Researchers argue that the 2026 stall is not due to a lack of consumer desire for EVs, but rather specific market dynamics and inventory adjustments.
Local view
Korean Exports and Domestic Trends
In South Korea, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported that eco-friendly cars now account for nearly half of the country’s total auto exports, even as overall vehicle sales dipped both overseas and domestically. This indicates that while the domestic market faces saturation or price sensitivity, Korean manufacturers are successfully pivoting their export mix toward electrified powertrains.
German Press Highlights BEV Record
German media outlets like tagesschau and DIE ZEIT highlighted that more than one in three new cars registered in Germany in September was a fully electric vehicle (34.5% market share). The high demand is attributed to rising fuel prices and the continued availability of federal EV premiums, which have successfully accelerated the transition away from benzine and diesel registrations.
Context & numbers
Market Share and Forecasts
- China: September EV retail penetration reached 67.0%, with total passenger car retail sales down 28.0% year-on-year to 1.618 million units.
- Europe: Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) reached a 30% market share in Europe for the first time in September, marking a record month.
- US: The US EV market is projected to remain a significant but volatile sector, with analysts noting a "signs of life" recovery after a sharp Q3 contraction.
- Global Forecast: The global electric vehicle market is predicted to grow from USD 794.59 billion in 2026 to USD 1,312.73 billion by 2035.
Policy Landscape
The US federal EV charger tax credit deadline has passed for equipment placed in service after July 1, 2026, shifting the incentive landscape to state and utility-level programs. Meanwhile, the "American-made tax credit" under the OBBBA now offers a multi-year loan interest deduction of up to $10,000 annually, replacing the previous one-time purchase credit.
On the radar
- China’s October Momentum: Early data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) shows EV retail penetration holding strong at 61.2% for October 1-11, despite a 13% year-on-year decline in absolute EV retail numbers.
- European Automaker Struggles: Despite record EV sales volumes, European automakers are facing mounting losses as Chinese rivals capture significant market share, raising questions about the profitability of the EV transition for legacy brands.
- US Used EV Market: Used EV sales hit a record share of overall used car sales in September, suggesting that affordability in the secondary market is a key driver of adoption for price-sensitive buyers.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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