Global electric car sales still growing, but slower

Global sales of pure electric vehicles (BEVs) are on the rise, though the pace of growth has slowed, a new study by consulting firm PwC reveals. In the first half of 2026, approximately 6.6 million BEVs were registered worldwide, marking a 9% year-on-year increase. This growth rate, however, falls short of the more than 33% increase seen in the first six months of 2025 and the nearly 33% rise for the entirety of the previous year.

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The movement of oil prices was a catalyst for the spread of electromobility.

China, the world's largest automotive market, is a primary factor in the decelerated growth, with BEV sales dropping by 5% to just under 3.6 million units in the first half of 2026. Despite this overall decline, a slight recovery was observed in the second quarter. Within China's auto market, BEVs now constitute 44% of all new vehicle sales.

The United States also experienced a significant downturn, with BEV sales falling by 22% to 460,000 units, representing a 6% market share. In contrast, Europe, including the EU, UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, saw a robust expansion. Nearly 1.6 million new BEVs were registered, a 33% increase compared to the previous year, pushing the market share to 22%. France, Italy, and Germany, which regained its position as Europe's largest individual market, showed particularly strong growth.

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The key driver is primarily the technological maturity of the new generation of models: long range, competitive price, and a clear advantage in operating costs.

Harald Wimmer of PwC highlighted that while oil price fluctuations have historically spurred electromobility, the current key driver is the "technological maturity of the new generation of models." He cited factors such as extended range, competitive pricing, and a clear advantage in running costs as crucial elements that are "permanently changing the market logic."

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This is permanently changing the market logic.