Mikkel Christensen
China’s electric vehicle industry regained momentum in April as exports surged to record levels, helping offset weaker demand at home.
China’s electric vehicle industry regained momentum in April as exports surged to record levels, helping offset weaker demand at home.
New figures show Chinese automakers sold more than 1.3 million electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids during the month as overseas markets continued driving growth.
EV sales rebound
According to electrive, citing data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China sold 1.344 million battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in April.
That marked a 9.7% increase compared with the same month last year and a 7.4% rise from March 2026.
It was also the first month this year in which China recorded higher year-on-year monthly EV sales growth.
Exports fuel momentum
The strongest gains came from exports rather than domestic demand.
Chinese manufacturers exported 430,000 new energy vehicles in April, setting another record and marking a 110% increase compared with last year.
Exports also climbed 16% compared with March.
Electrive noted that growing overseas demand is increasingly helping stabilise China’s wider automotive industry.
Domestic market still struggling
While exports surged, China’s domestic EV market continued facing pressure.
Domestic sales fell to 914,000 units in April, down 10.8% year-on-year despite a slight recovery from March levels.
Industry analysts believe the slowdown may be linked to the expiration of several EV incentives at the beginning of 2026.
The domestic market has now underperformed compared with last year for four consecutive months.
EVs dominate market share
Despite weaker local demand, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids still accounted for 53.2% of all vehicles sold in China during April.
That marked a major jump from March and continued a broader trend that first saw China surpass the 50% EV market share milestone in late 2025.
Battery-electric vehicles remained dominant overall, making up roughly two-thirds of all new energy vehicle sales.
Chinese brands expand globally
Even with higher tariffs in several international markets, Chinese automakers continue rapidly expanding overseas.
Industry observers say aggressive pricing, improving battery technology and strong export demand are helping companies like BYD, Li Auto and Geely strengthen their global presence.
Total vehicle exports from China across all powertrains reached 901,000 units in April, up more than 74% year-on-year.
Global competition intensifies
The latest figures underline how important overseas markets have become for China’s automotive industry as competition intensifies at home.
As exports continue climbing, global automakers are facing growing pressure from fast-expanding Chinese EV brands entering Europe, Asia and other international markets.
Sources: electrive, CAAM, CN EV Post
