Global EV sales fall 2% in September, ending six-month growth streak

October, 16, 2026

Reuters - Global demand for electric vehicles fell 2% in September, ending six consecutive months of growth, ​as record sales in Europe were not ‌enough to offset sharp declines in North America and China, data from UK-based research firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence ​showed on Friday.
The data highlights growing divergence ​across major EV markets. Europe is benefiting from ⁠strong consumer demand and policy support, while ​China's domestic market remains weak and North America continues ​to feel the impact of the expiration of US federal EV tax credits at the end of September 2025.
  • Global ​EV sales slid to 2.15 million vehicles in ​September, while year-to-date volumes are up 3% at 15.5 million ‌units
  • "Europe ⁠had its strongest month on record, with almost 600,000 EVs sold in September, 10% above the previous high set in June," BMI data manager ​Charles Lester said
  • North ​American sales ⁠fell 44%, the steepest monthly decline this year, reflecting the strong year-ago ​period when buyers rushed to dealerships before ​the ⁠tax credits expired
  • From the fourth quarter, these comparisons will ease as they lap the post-tax-credit slump, ⁠Lester said
  • Sales ​in China dropped 18% to ​1.11 million vehicles, prompting carmakers to increasingly rely on exports

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