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

By Thomson Reuters Oct 15, 2026 | 6:07 PM

By Amir Orusov

Oct 16 (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

(Reporting by Amir Orusov in Gdansk, editing by ​Milla Nissi-Prussak)