Global electric vehicle (EV) sales declined in the first quarter of 2026.

Axar.az reports, citing PwC’s Electric Vehicle Sales Review Q1 2026, that global EV sales across key markets fell by around 10% year-on-year to approximately 3.5 million units.

The report highlights that China was the main driver of the global slowdown, with battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales falling by 20% and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales dropping by 31%, significantly weighing on global figures.

In contrast, Europe recorded strong growth, with BEV sales across the region’s top five markets rising by 36% year-on-year. France and Germany led the increase with growth of 50% and 41% respectively, supported by government incentives.

The United States also saw a decline in EV sales during the period, contributing further to the global downturn, according to the study.

Despite the overall decrease in volume, EV market penetration continued to rise globally, with market share reaching a record 19% in Europe’s leading markets and remaining strong worldwide.