Global EV sales reach 2 million in June as Europe soars and US falls behind

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reported that 2 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide in June 2026, bringing year‑to‑date global EV sales to 9.6 million – a rise of 7 % versus a year earlier and 11 % from May. Europe posted a record month with 530 000 units sold, up 28 % month‑on‑month and 31 % year‑on‑year. The surge was driven by supportive regulations, high fuel prices and the launch of affordable small EVs; in France Renault captured about 20 % of the market and its new Twingo became the third‑best‑selling EV.

In North America, EV sales are down about 20 % for the year, a decline linked to the end of the U.S. federal EV tax credit. Sales at GM and Ford fell faster than the regional average. Canada, however, received its first batch of Chinese‑built Lotus Eletre SUVs under a new tariff‑quota deal that lowers duties to 6.1 %.

China’s domestic EV market contracted, with June sales 11 % lower than a year ago and a 14 % drop in the first half. Chinese manufacturers responded by boosting exports, shipping nearly 500 000 new‑energy vehicles in June – a record month – mainly to Europe, where plug‑in hybrid models continue to gain ground.