How Many Electric Vehicles Are There in 2026? Global & by Country
As of June 2026, there are an estimated 45–50 million electric vehicles (EVs) on roads worldwide. This includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The number has grown from just 2 million in 2018, driven by policy support, falling battery costs, and expanding model availability.
Electric Vehicles by the Numbers (2026)
- Global EV stock (2026): ~47 million (estimated range 45–50 million)
- Share of new car sales (2025): ~18% globally, over 25% in Europe and China
- Leading country: China, with ~24 million EVs
- Fastest growth: India, though from a low base
- BEV vs PHEV: Approximately 70% BEV, 30% PHEV
Year-by-Year Global EV Stock (2018–2026)
| Year | Estimated Global EV Stock (millions) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | IEA estimate |
| 2019 | 3.5 | IEA estimate |
| 2020 | 5.5 | IEA estimate |
| 2021 | 9 | IEA estimate |
| 2022 | 14 | IEA estimate |
| 2023 | 21 | IEA estimate |
| 2024 | 30 | Industry estimate |
| 2025 | 38 | Industry estimate |
| 2026 | 47 | Projection based on sales trends |
Note: Figures for 2024–2026 are estimates based on sales data and growth rates. Official annual reports from the IEA typically release in the following year.
Electric Vehicles by Country (2026 Estimates)
| Country | Estimated EV Stock (millions) | Market Share of New Sales (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| China | 24 | 35% |
| United States | 6 | 12% |
| Germany | 3 | 28% |
| France | 2 | 25% |
| United Kingdom | 1.8 | 24% |
| Norway | 0.8 | 88% |
| Netherlands | 0.7 | 35% |
| Sweden | 0.6 | 40% |
| Japan | 0.5 | 5% |
| India | 0.4 | 4% |
| Rest of World | 7 | ~10% |
Note: Country-level figures are estimates based on IEA data, national registrations, and industry reports. Market share is for passenger cars only.
Historical Growth
The global EV fleet has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 45% from 2018 to 2026. In 2018, EVs were still a niche product, concentrated in a few markets like China, Norway, and California. The inflection point came around 2020–2021, when several major automakers committed to electrification and battery costs fell below $150/kWh. By 2023, global EV sales exceeded 10 million units for the first time, and in 2025, sales surpassed 15 million. The growth is expected to continue, though the rate may slow as markets mature.
What Is Driving the Change
Several factors are accelerating EV adoption:
- Government policies: Many countries have set targets to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles (e.g., EU 2035, UK 2030, California 2035). Purchase subsidies, tax breaks, and low-emission zones are common.
- Falling battery costs: Lithium-ion battery pack prices have fallen from over $1,100/kWh in 2010 to around $100/kWh in 2025, making EVs cheaper to produce.
- Expanding model availability: In 2026, there are over 500 EV models globally, from budget to luxury, covering all segments.
- Charging infrastructure: Public charging points have grown to over 5 million globally, with fast-charging networks expanding along highways.
- Consumer awareness: Lower running costs and environmental concerns are driving demand, especially in Europe and China.
Methodology
Global and country-level EV stock figures are compiled from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Global EV Outlook reports for years up to 2023, with 2024–2026 estimates based on reported sales trends and projections from industry analysts (e.g., BloombergNEF, EV-volumes.com). Market share data for 2025 is derived from national registrations and manufacturer reports. All figures are estimates and should be treated as indicative. Official statistics for 2025 and 2026 will be published by the IEA in 2027.
Last updated: June 2026. Statistics change and should be re-verified before citing.
Key takeaways
- Global EV stock reached ~47 million in June 2026, up from 2 million in 2018.
- China leads with 24 million EVs, followed by the US (6 million) and Germany (3 million).
- Norway has the highest EV market share at 88% of new car sales.
- Battery costs fell to ~$100/kWh, making EVs price-competitive with gasoline cars.
- EVs now account for 18% of global new car sales, up from 2% in 2018.
Frequently asked questions
How many electric vehicles are there in the world in 2026?
As of June 2026, there are an estimated 45–50 million electric vehicles globally, including both battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Which country has the most electric vehicles?
China has the most electric vehicles, with an estimated 24 million as of 2026, accounting for about half of the global total.
What percentage of new cars are electric in 2026?
Globally, electric vehicles represent about 18% of new car sales in 2025 (latest full-year data), with higher shares in Europe and China.
How fast is the EV market growing?
The global EV fleet has grown at a compound annual growth rate of roughly 45% from 2018 to 2026, with annual sales exceeding 15 million in 2025.
Are these figures official?
Figures for 2024–2026 are estimates based on sales trends and industry projections. Official data from the IEA for 2025 will be published in 2026.
