Electric Vehicle Sales Surge 45% in H1 2026 as Battery Costs Hit New Low
Global electric vehicle sales have surged 45% in the first half of 2026, driven by a dramatic fall in battery costs that has made EVs cheaper than petrol cars in multiple markets for the first time.
The Tipping Point Arrives
Global electric vehicle sales surged 45% in the first half of 2026, with 14.2 million units sold worldwide. For the first time, EVs accounted for more than one in four new car sales globally, with battery costs falling below $80 per kilowatt-hour — a threshold that makes EVs cost-competitive with internal combustion engine vehicles without subsidies.
Market by Market
China continues to lead with 60% EV market share for new sales. Europe has reached 35%, while the United States has climbed to 22%. The fastest growth is coming from emerging markets: India, Brazil, and Thailand all saw EV sales more than double year-on-year.
The Charging Infrastructure Challenge
While vehicle sales accelerate, charging infrastructure remains a bottleneck in many regions. Governments and private companies are investing heavily, with the global number of public charging points expected to reach 10 million by the end of 2026.
Impact on Emissions
Transport electrification is beginning to have a measurable impact on emissions. The IEA estimates that EVs displaced 2.5 million barrels of oil per day in the first half of 2026, contributing to a modest decline in global transport emissions.
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