Gas cars fall below 50% of global new car sales for the first time

Gasoline-only vehicles made up 49% of global new-vehicle sales in the first half of 2026, down from 73% in 2021 — the first time on record below half. Battery-electric sales rose 12% to 6.87 million units (17% share), while hybrids reached 7.27 million (18%).

• Gas-only share fell from 52% to 49% in a year, with 20.25 million units sold
• BEVs: 6.87 million units (+12%), 17% share; hybrids: 7.27 million (+10%)
• Gas car sales dropped 26% in China and 13% in Europe
• US EV sales expected to fall 45% in Q3 after federal tax credit ended