Nearly 30% of cars sold in 2026 will be electric, China dominates sector: IEA report
Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- Global electric vehicle sales grew 20% in 2025 to over 20 million units, with EVs representing one in four new cars sold worldwide.
- Chinese manufacturers dominated the market in 2025, accounting for 60% of global EV sales, while European and North American producers each held about 15%.
- Despite a Q1 2026 sales dip due to regulatory changes in China and the US, strong growth in other regions and increasing cost competitiveness of EVs are expected to sustain demand.
The International Energy Agency's (IEA) latest report paints a dynamic picture of the global electric vehicle market, highlighting significant growth and shifts in manufacturing dominance. While Chinese automakers continue to lead the pack, capturing a substantial 60% of global sales in 2025, the report also notes a dip in sales in early 2026 attributed to regulatory adjustments in key markets like China and the United States.
Global EV sales grew 20% in 2025 to over 20 million units, with EVs representing one in four new cars sold worldwide.
However, this contraction is not the whole story. The IEA's data reveals a surge in EV adoption in other regions, with Europe seeing a nearly 30% increase, Asia-Pacific (excluding China) up by 80%, and Latin America experiencing a remarkable 75% growth. This geographical diversification suggests a maturing global market, less dependent on the performance of a single region.
Chinese manufacturers accounted for around 60% of global electric vehicle sales in 2025, while European and North American producers each accounted for about 15%.
From Paraguay's perspective, as reported by ABC Color, the IEA's findings underscore the accelerating global transition towards electric mobility. The increasing competitiveness of EVs, driven by falling battery prices and potential responses to energy crises, offers a glimpse into a future where sustainable transportation is the norm. The report's projection of 510 million EVs on the road by 2035, even without new policy interventions, signals a profound structural change in both the automotive and energy sectors.
Regulatory changes in China and the United States caused an 8% year-on-year drop in global electric vehicle sales during the first quarter of 2026.
While the report focuses on global trends, it's crucial to consider the local implications. The growth in electric trucks and two- and three-wheeled vehicles, particularly in Southeast Asia, indicates diverse pathways to electrification. For Paraguay, understanding these trends is vital for developing appropriate infrastructure, fostering local industry, and ensuring that the nation is not left behind in this technological revolution. The IEA's analysis provides a valuable roadmap, but its successful implementation will require tailored national strategies.
Sales increased by nearly 30% in Europe, 80% in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China), and 75% in Latin America.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.