January 2026 Global EV & Hybrid Sales: Country-Wise Trends

The electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid market continues to evolve rapidly in 2026, building on the strong performance of 2025. While full January 2026 sales data is emerging (as monthly reports from sources like Rho Motion, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, and EV Volumes are typically released mid-month or later), early indicators point to a continuation of 2025 patterns with some regional shifts due to policy changes.

In 2025, global EV sales (including battery electric vehicles or BEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or PHEVs) reached 20.7 million units, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. This represented roughly 25% of new passenger car sales worldwide. Hybrids (non-plug-in) also gained traction, especially in markets like the US and Europe, where they bridged the gap for consumers hesitant about full electrification.

Key Global Highlights from Late 2025 into 2026

China dominated with 12.9 million EV units sold in 2025 (+17% YoY), accounting for about 71% of global production and sales. PHEVs grew faster than BEVs in recent years, driven by incentives and range-extended models.
Europe saw robust growth at 4.3 million units (+33% YoY), with BEVs up 31% and PHEVs up 38%. Subsidies in countries like France, Germany, and Sweden supported momentum into 2026.
North America (primarily the US) experienced a slowdown, with 1.8 million units (-4% YoY) due to the end of federal tax credits in late 2025. US EV share hovered around 10% or less in some periods, with hybrids (including PHEVs) performing better.
Rest of the World surged 48% to 1.7 million units, led by emerging markets in Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand, Indonesia), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico), and others benefiting from affordable Chinese imports.

Projections for 2026 suggest global EV sales around 23.9 million units (+15.7% from 2025), though growth may moderate due to policy relaxations and economic factors. China is expected to accelerate (+21%), while North America faces declines (-23%, including -29% in the US). Hybrids (conventional and plug-in) are poised for even stronger gains in 2026 as transitional options.

Country-Wise EV and Hybrid Sales Overview (Based on 2025 Data and Early 2026 Trends)

Here’s a breakdown focusing on major markets (full January 2026 specifics are preliminary; US retail sales projected lower due to seasonal and policy factors):

China: Remains the powerhouse. Early 2026 trends suggest continued high volumes, with PHEVs particularly strong. In 2025, over half of sales in some months exceeded 50% EV share.
United States: January 2026 new-vehicle retail sales projected at around 908,500 units overall, with EVs at just 6.6% share (down from prior periods due to incentive losses). PHEVs and conventional hybrids fare better, expected at ~0.9% and 14.7% respectively. Full hybrids gained in 2025 as a bridge technology.
Europe (aggregate): Strong start expected with revived subsidies. Key countries like Germany, France, and the UK saw incentives boosted for low/middle-income buyers.
Emerging Markets (e.g., Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia): Rapid growth from Chinese exports. Countries like Viet Nam hit near 40% EV share in 2025, with hybrids filling gaps where charging infrastructure lags.

For the latest monthly figures, check reports from Rho Motion or EV Volumes as they release January 2026 data.

Why the Shift to EVs and Hybrids Matters

The transition reduces fossil fuel dependence, cuts emissions, and drives innovation in battery tech and charging. However, challenges like infrastructure gaps and policy variability persist, making hybrids a practical stepping stone in many regions.

At VFutureMedia, we track the future of sustainable mobility. Explore our related articles for deeper insights:

Stay ahead of the curve with VFutureMedia—your source for forward-looking analysis on electric and hybrid vehicles. For more on India’s growing EV scene, visit our India EV Updates section.

Ethan Brooks is the kind of tech journalist who writes for the person who’s genuinely curious but doesn’t have time to read five different sources. He covers AI, EVs, future tech, and gadgets for VFuture Media — and his goal with every piece is simple: give readers something they couldn’t get from a press release. He was on the ground at CES 2026 in Las Vegas and has been following the AI and EV beats closely since VFuture Media launched. Say hello on X.