# Global electric vehicle market growth

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260916-global-electric-vehicle-market-growth
> Updated: 2026-09-20T02:52:17.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 4.

Global electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid sales have reached record levels in 50 countries, driven by rising fuel costs linked to geopolitical instability involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent oil price surges, which exceeded $100 per barrel in early 2026, have accelerated the shift toward electrification to address energy security.

In the European Union, EV registrations rose by 40.5% in the first half of 2026, reaching a market share of 20.7%. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that the conflict in Iran has cost the EU an additional €90 billion in fossil fuel imports. To mitigate these fiscal and strategic risks, the Commission aims to double the share of electricity in the EU by 2040.

Consumer behavior continues to shift in response to economic pressures. In Portugal, searches for electric vehicles increased by 23% in early September 2026 compared to the previous year. Similarly, in the United States, rising fuel costs—with diesel prices recently exceeding $6 per gallon—are driving renewed interest in EVs. According to the 2026 HERE-SBD EV Index, approximately 57% of American drivers state that gasoline prices influence their interest in EVs, and 53% are more willing to consider an electric model than they were a year ago.

While challenges such as high insurance premiums in Brazil and infrastructure needs in the EU persist, public perception of charging infrastructure is improving in the US. The percentage of drivers who consider the number of public charging stations ‘satisfactory’ rose from 28% in 2025 to 47% in late 2026.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: US fuel price surges drive renewed interest in electric vehicles

High fuel prices in the US, driven by Middle East tensions, are increasing consumer interest in electric vehicles and improving perceptions of charging infrastructure.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-fuel-price-surges-drive-renewed-interest-in-electric-vehicles

### 2026-09-18: Electric vehicle interest rises amid fuel price shifts and insurance cost concerns

Rising fuel prices are driving increased interest in electric vehicles in Portugal, while in Brazil, high insurance premiums remain a key cost consideration for electric car owners.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/electric-vehicle-interest-rises-amid-fuel-price-shifts-and-insurance-cost-concerns

### 2026-09-16: European Union electric vehicle registrations rise amid fossil fuel cost concerns

EU electric vehicle registrations rose 40.5% amid rising fossil fuel costs. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized accelerating the energy transition to offset €90 billion in extra fuel costs caused by geopolitical's.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-union-electric-vehicle-registrations-rise-amid-fossil-fuel-cost-concerns

### 2026-08-23: Electric vehicle sales hit records in 50 countries amid oil crisis

Rising oil prices caused by conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have triggered record electric vehicle sales in 50 countries, according to the IEA.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/electric-vehicle-sales-hit-records-in-50-countries-amid-oil-crisis

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Cite as: Global electric vehicle market growth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260916-global-electric-vehicle-market-growth