Global EV sales rose again in May, with 1.8 million electric vehicles sold worldwide during the month, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
The figure took 2026’s year-to-date total to 7.5 million units.
Benchmark said May sales were up 3% from a year earlier and 7% from April, keeping the market on a positive monthly run despite a split picture across major regions.
Europe was the strongest part of the map. EV sales there grew 23% year-on-year in May and were up 2% from April, leaving the region 26% ahead for the first five months of 2026.
Benchmark linked that strength to subsidy schemes in several European markets, as well as higher fuel prices, which have kept buyer interest in EVs alive.
Chinese-built EVs are also taking a bigger slice of Europe’s market. Benchmark said China-made models accounted for 19% of EVs sold in Europe in 2025, with that share rising this year. The UK is the most open of the major markets so far, with 32% of EVs sold there this year built in China. Germany was at 14%, while France was lower at 10%.
The picture is less cheerful in North America. EV sales were down 26% year-on-year in May and 25% year-to-date, as carmakers scaled back plans and the region faced weaker policy support.
China was mixed. Domestic EV sales were still 15% lower year-to-date than in 2025, but demand has been improving after a slow start. Battery demand has held up better than vehicle sales because buyers have shifted towards larger EVs with bigger packs.
Chinese brands are finding more of their growth overseas. Benchmark said China’s new-energy vehicle exports reached almost 450,000 units in May, another monthly record, led by BYD, Chery and Geely.
