Electric vehicle sales surge globally and in regional markets

Global electric vehicle (EV) sales are showing signs of recovery and significant regional growth. According to an International Energy Agency (IEA) report, while global car sales fell by approximately 5 percent in the first half of 2026 due to economic pressures in China and the US, EV sales saw a sharp 35 percent increase in the second quarter compared to the first. Record sales levels were recorded in 50 countries, with nearly doubling sales in Australia, Brazil, India, South Korea, and Vietnam.

In Slovenia, the automotive market grew by 16.6 percent in the first seven months of the year, driven largely by a 134 percent surge in electric vehicle registrations. Tesla saw a 152 percent increase in registrations, climbing to tenth place in the market. However, experts warn that the end of state subsidies may lead to a decline in future sales.

Latvia has also seen a rapid increase in EV adoption. As of July 1, 2026, there were 16,842 registered electric vehicles in the country, up from fewer than 1,000 in 2020. Popular brands include Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, and Nissan. While government support programs for purchasing eco-friendly vehicles are planned to continue until the end of 2029, the long-term sustainability of financial incentives remains a topic of discussion.