Business · Trade · 1 day ago
China’s NEV sales reach 1.823 million in September as exports surge
China sold 1.823 million new energy vehicles in September, the highest monthly total so far in 2026.
New energy vehicles include battery electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles.
They made up 61.6% of new vehicle sales, a record share and the third month in a row above 60%.
Exports rose 160% from a year earlier to 571,000 vehicles, while domestic sales fell 9.4% to 1.252 million.
The export surge offset weaker demand at home, where sales had also fallen over the first nine months.
In that period, China sold 12.47 million new energy vehicles, up 11.1% from a year earlier, and exported more than 4 million.
An industry association said it expects the vehicle industry to operate steadily in the fourth quarter.
China’s new energy vehicle sales, including exports, reached 1.823 million units in September, up 13.6% from a year earlier.
Exports rose 160% year on year to 571,000 units, while domestic NEV sales fell 9.4% to 1.252 million.
NEVs made up 61.6% of China’s total vehicle sales, a record share and the third consecutive month above 60%.
Battery electric vehicle sales reached a record 1.277 million units, while plug-in hybrid sales totaled 546,000.
In the first nine months of 2026, NEV sales reached 12.472 million units, up 11.1% year on year.
- Who
- China’s new energy vehicle industry, with data reported by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
- What
- September NEV sales reached 1.823 million units, including domestic sales and exports. Exports rose sharply as domestic sales declined.
- When
- September 2026; the figures were reported on October 11 and 12, 2026.
- Where
- China.
- Why
- Export growth offset weakness in the domestic market. CAAM said domestic demand remained weak.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China recorded 1.823 million NEV sales, including 571,000 exports and 1.252 million domestic sales.
China Daily reported CAAM data showing September NEVs made up 61.6% of new car sales.
CnEVPost reported that September NEV sales were the highest monthly total of the year.
- September NEV sales
- 1.823 million units
- Year-on-year sales growth
- 13.6%
- September NEV exports
- 571,000 units, up 160% year on year
- September domestic NEV sales
- 1.252 million units, down 9.4% year on year
- NEV share of total vehicle sales
- 61.6%
- January–September NEV sales
- 12.472 million units
What people are saying
Despite a complex and severe external environment, exports have continued to grow rapidly, demonstrating strong resilience, while domestic new growth drivers are being steadily unleashed and the share of NEV sales is rising steadily
Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, the industry is expected to maintain steady operation
Sources
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