China's automotive industry association released June 2026 production and sales data showing NEV output reached 1.598 million units and sales hit 1.643 million units, up 26% and 23.6% year-over-year respectively. NEVs accounted for 58.5% of total new car sales, with first-half cumulative production and sales exceeding 7.4 million units.
Core Data: NEVs Secure Half the Market
According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), June 2026 saw total automotive production and sales of 2.76 million and 2.81 million units respectively. Within this, NEV production and sales reached 1.598 million and 1.643 million units, marking year-over-year growth of 26% and 23.6% — significantly outpacing the overall market.
A landmark figure: NEVs accounted for 58.5% of total new car sales in June. This means nearly 6 out of every 10 new cars sold were new energy vehicles. Traditional fuel vehicles are rapidly losing market share.
First-half highlights:
- Total automotive production and sales: 14.993 million and 15.017 million units
- NEV cumulative production and sales: 7.438 million and 7.446 million units, up 6.7% and 7.3% year-over-year
- NEV share of total new car sales: 49.6%
Passenger vs. Commercial Vehicle Divergence
June passenger vehicle production and sales were 2.373 million and 2.402 million units, down 2.8% and 5.3% year-over-year. In contrast, commercial vehicles reached 387,000 and 409,000 units, up 9.5% and 10.7%.
Key market characteristics:
- Passenger vehicle market faces consumer confidence challenges
- Commercial vehicles benefit from infrastructure and logistics demand
- NEV penetration in passenger vehicles continues rising
| Indicator | June Data | YoY Growth | H1 Cumulative | Cumulative YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Vehicle Sales | 2.81M | -3.2% | 15.017M | -4.1% |
| NEV Sales | 1.643M | +23.6% | 7.446M | +7.3% |
| NEV Penetration | 58.5% | — | 49.6% | — |
| Passenger Vehicle Sales | 2.402M | -5.3% | 12.72M | -6.0% |
| Commercial Vehicle Sales | 409K | +10.7% | 2.297M | +8.3% |
Exports Become the Strongest Growth Engine
June export figures were particularly striking. Monthly vehicle exports exceeded 1 million units for the first time, reaching 1.037 million, up 75.1% year-over-year. NEV exports hit 523,000 units, surging 160% year-over-year.
First-half export performance:
- Cumulative vehicle exports: 5.096 million units, up 65.3%
- NEV cumulative exports: 2.355 million units, up 120%
- NEVs account for over 46% of total vehicle exports
CAAM Vice Secretary Chen Shihua noted that NEV exports have become the core driver of automotive export growth, reflecting the industry's transformation and enhanced international competitiveness.
Pure Electric Share Continues Rising
Xinhua reported that domestic NEV sales accounted for 67.2% of passenger vehicle domestic sales in June, showing consistent month-over-month growth. Battery electric vehicles represent approximately 67% of NEV sales, indicating growing consumer acceptance.
Market Structure: Accelerating Transition
Key observations from current data:
- Accelerating old-to-new动能转换: Traditional fuel vehicle market contracts while NEVs maintain stable growth
- Exports as new growth pillar: Overseas markets provide crucial support amid domestic consumer confidence challenges
- Policy effects gradually releasing: Vehicle trade-in programs help stabilize the market
Notably, small NEVs under 80,000 yuan saw sales decline 37.7% year-over-year to 413,000 units in H1, as policy adjustments impacted low-price segment demand. Meanwhile, Q2 NEV retail penetration reached 62.4%, a historic high.
For dealers and buyers in Central Asia, Russia, and other overseas markets, China's expanding NEV production and export volumes mean more diversified sourcing options and competitive pricing. Platforms like EX1000.COM enable direct access to China's NEV supply chain.
