China's NEV output and sales post steady growth in May 2026

Beijing (ANTARA) - China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) output and sales recorded double-digit year-on-year (yoy) growth in May 2026, according to industry data released on Wednesday (10/6).

NEV output rose 22.4 per cent yoy to 1.554 million units, while sales climbed 14.4 per cent to 1.496 million units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).

NEVs accounted for 56.9 per cent of total new car sales in May, marking a further increase compared to the previous month.

Overall, automotive output and sales in May stood at 2.616 million and 2.629 million units respectively, expanding on a monthly basis but edging down slightly year-on-year, with the decline continuing to narrow.

Over the first five months of the year, total automotive output and sales reached 12.235 million and 12.207 million units respectively, whilst NEV output and sales hit 5.841 million and 5.802 million units, up 2.5 per cent and 3.5 per cent yoy.

Industry players said the domestic market is experiencing a surge in NEV demand, in stark contrast to slowing sales of internal combustion engine cars. Chen Shihua, CAAM Deputy Secretary General, linked the trend to high oil prices driving up operating costs for fossil-fuel cars and highlighting the economic advantages of NEVs.

Deep investment by domestic automakers in innovation has spurred rapid iteration of new NEV models to meet diverse consumer needs, he added.

Vehicle exports continued to show a dramatic surge. In May, China exported 930,000 units, jumping 68.7 per cent yoy, including 446,000 NEVs, a figure that more than doubled compared to a year earlier.

Over the first five months, vehicle exports reached 4.059 million units, up 63 per cent, with NEV exports recorded at 1.833 million units, also more than doubling.

The strong performance of Chinese NEVs in overseas markets reflects the overall improvement and strengthening competitiveness of China’s automotive industry, supported by policy guidance and industrial synergies, Chen remarked.

“China possesses a complete and efficient NEV supply chain, with prominent economies of scale and strong risk resilience capabilities. At the same time, intelligent features such as in-car systems, autonomous driving, and cabin interaction are continuously updated rapidly, constantly adapting to the needs of overseas users and boosting product competitiveness,” he said.