In the first half of 2026, global sales of new cars powered solely by gasoline engines dropped below 50%, marking a significant milestone at 49%. This decline, reported by OilPrice, represented a 10% decrease from the previous year, amounting to 20.25 million units sold.
Growing Demand for Electric Vehicles
Data from Mobility Global, referenced by Nikkei Asia, indicates that the share of traditional gasoline cars (excluding hybrids) declined by three percentage points. This trend has been linked to rising prices for oil, gasoline, and diesel, particularly due to geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
In August, battery electric vehicle sales in Europe surged by 52.2% year-on-year, as reported by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Notably, Germany saw a 75% increase in electric vehicle sales, while France experienced a doubling in sales.
Market Figures and Trends
The German Institute for Economic Research noted that by August, one in four passenger cars sold in Germany was electric, with electric vehicles making up one-third of sales that month, up from an average of 19% in 2025. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency reported a 35% increase in global electric vehicle sales in the second quarter compared to the first. Countries like Brazil, India, Australia, and Vietnam saw electric car sales double from the same period in 2025.
However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the investment needed for charging infrastructure and the supply of critical minerals for batteries, which could slow down the transition to electric vehicles.
