Global EV Sales Rebound in Q2 2026 as Chinese Exports Expand
Published: September 2026
Global electric vehicle sales recovered strongly in the second quarter of 2026, while Chinese EV exports continued to expand across international markets, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Electric Vehicle Sales Recover in the Second Quarter
The IEA reported that global electric car sales increased by approximately 35% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the first three months of the year. Quarterly sales reached record levels in 50 countries, while more than 90 countries recorded year-on-year EV sales growth during the first half of 2026.
Based on this recovery and continued policy support in several markets, the IEA now expects electric vehicles to account for approximately 29% of global car sales in 2026.
Chinese EV Exports Continue to Grow
China remains an important supplier in the international electric vehicle market. According to the IEA, Chinese electric car exports during the first six months of 2026 almost matched the total export volume recorded for the whole of 2025.
However, the report also estimates that only around two-thirds of these exported vehicles had already been sold. Together with inventory carried over from previous months, more than one million electric cars may still be available for sale across global markets.
What This Means for Vehicle Importers
The growing supply of Chinese electric vehicles may give overseas dealers and fleet buyers more model choices and stronger negotiating opportunities. At the same time, lower prices alone should not determine a purchasing decision.
Before placing an order, importers should still verify:
- Whether the vehicle meets local registration and compliance requirements;
- Charging connector and voltage compatibility;
- Battery health and vehicle condition;
- Availability of spare parts and diagnostic support;
- Software language, account access and over-the-air update support;
- Shipping costs, documentation and expected clearance time.
For markets in the Middle East and Africa, charging infrastructure, climate conditions and after-sales support can be just as important as the initial vehicle price. Importers should therefore compare the total landed cost and long-term support requirements before selecting inventory.
Importer Outlook
The latest IEA findings indicate that demand for electric vehicles continues to expand despite uneven performance across individual markets. Increasing Chinese exports may create additional sourcing opportunities, but buyers should remain selective and avoid purchasing vehicles solely because they are available at a discount.
EVstrader supports overseas dealers and fleet buyers with vehicle sourcing, condition inspection, export documentation, shipping coordination and spare parts planning for Chinese electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
