The worldwide electric vehicle market is set for another year of strong growth. Gartner forecasts that by 2026, 116 million electric vehicles – including cars, buses, vans and heavy trucks – will be on the road. This represents a 30 percent rise compared with 2025, underlining the continued momentum in clean mobility even as several governments scale back incentives and subsidies.
Table: Global Electric Vehicle Installed Base (2025-2026)
(Units: Single Vehicles)
| Vehicle Type | 2025 Installed Base | 2026 Installed Base |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) | 59,480,370 | 76,344,452 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) | 30,074,582 | 39,835,111 |
| Total | 89,554,951 | 116,179,563 |
Source: Gartner (December 2025)
Jonathan Davenport, Sr Director Analyst at Gartner, said that policy changes in major economies are not slowing down adoption. “Despite the U.S. government introducing tariffs on vehicle imports and many governments removing the subsidies and incentives for purchasing EVs, the number of EVs on the road is forecast to increase 30 percent in 2026,” Davenport said. He added that China will remain the leading EV market and is expected to account for 61 percent of the global EV installed base in 2026.
Gartner also reports that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are gaining traction as buyers look for flexibility. Global ownership of PHEVs is projected to increase 32 percent year-over-year in 2026, supported by customer preference for the reassurance of a petrol engine when needed. While battery electric vehicles will continue to form the majority of the EV fleet, the share of PHEVs is rising as part of a diversified electrification strategy across markets.
Rising Adoption Across BEVs and PHEVs
Battery electric vehicles remain the dominant choice, with the installed base forecast to grow from 59.48 million units in 2025 to 76.34 million units in 2026. PHEVs are also expanding rapidly, increasing from 30.07 million units in 2025 to 39.83 million units in 2026.
The combined global EV installed base will rise from 89.55 million in 2025 to 116.18 million in 2026, highlighting sustained consumer interest, improved technology maturity and expanded charging infrastructure.
The data highlights a robust shift toward electrified transport, with China driving the largest share of global growth. As EV technology advances and total cost of ownership improves, Gartner expects adoption to maintain its upward trajectory across regions and vehicle categories.