Global EV registrations rise 3% to 1.8 million units in May as Europe drives growth, BMI data shows

Global registrations of electric vehicles (EVs) rose for a third consecutive month in May, increasing 3% year-on-year to approximately 1.8 million units, according to data released by consultancy Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI).

The figures, which include battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, are widely used as a proxy for sales. Total registrations during the first five months of 2026 were 0.9% higher than the same period last year.

Europe emerged as the main driver of growth, with registrations climbing 23% year-on-year to around 415,000 units in May. BMI attributed the increase to government incentives and elevated fuel prices, which encouraged consumers to switch to electric vehicles.

“Europe really is the driving factor towards this growth at the moment,” BMI Data Manager Charles Lester said.

The global market, however, showed significant regional differences.

In China, registrations fell 9% from a year earlier to roughly 987,000 vehicles after authorities withdrew support for vehicle trade-in programmes and ended a tax incentive for EV purchases earlier this year.

BMI noted that softer domestic demand has prompted Chinese automakers to accelerate international expansion, particularly through partnerships and production arrangements in Europe.

“The trend that we've been seeing over the last couple of months is joint ventures and the potential for Chinese OEMs to produce in underutilised capacity in Europe,” Lester said.

North America recorded the sharpest decline among major markets, with registrations dropping 26% year-on-year to about 123,000 units in May.

The slowdown followed the expiry of a US tax credit scheme for EVs and proposals by President Donald Trump's administration to ease carbon emissions regulations. According to BMI, manufacturers in the region are increasingly focusing on internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrid models.

Lester added that Canada's decision to allow greater access to some Chinese EV manufacturers is unlikely to significantly alter the broader trajectory of the North American market.

Despite mixed regional performance, the latest data indicates that global EV adoption continues to expand, supported by policy incentives, fuel prices and long-term shifts in consumer demand.