Global plugin vehicle registrations increased by 3% year-over-year in September, finishing the month at approximately 2.16 million units and approaching the all-time record of 2.17 million set last December. This near-record performance pushed the cumulative 2026 plugin vehicle market share to 25%, split between 18% for pure electric vehicles (BEVs) and 7% for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). For the month of September specifically, the total plugin tally reached 32% when combining BEVs at 23% and PHEVs.
Diverging Paths for BEVs and PHEVs
The overall market dynamics continue to show a stark contrast between pure electrics and plug-in hybrids. While BEVs experienced an 8% year-over-year increase—pushing pure electric registrations to a record high of 1.54 million units—PHEVs dropped by 9%. Year-to-date figures reflect this trend, with total plugin growth remaining modest at 4% due to a 10% decline in PHEV registrations, while BEVs are tracking back toward normal growth at 12%.
Top-Selling Models and Export Surges
The Tesla Model Y led the global market in September, hitting a record 165,000 units backed by a 17% year-over-year growth rate, aided by its six-seat configuration. The Tesla Model 3 secured the runner-up position with 65,000 deliveries despite a 4% year-over-year drop, followed by the Geely Xingyuan (also exported as the E2 or EX2) and the BYD Song. The BYD Song grew 19% year-over-year to 54,519 units, fueled by an export push to markets including Brazil, Italy, and Germany alongside a new-generation Ultra body.
Several compact models also achieved individual monthly records in September. The MG 4 reached 23,082 units with strong export figures in Thailand, Brazil, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The Qiyuan / Nevo Q05 logged 20,329 units, the Leapmotor B10 hit 17,125 units with primary export focus in Germany and the UK, and Changan’s Deepal S05 recorded 16,457 units. Additionally, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV consolidated its status as a top-selling legacy model with notable volumes across the USA, China, and Australia.
Manufacturer Standings and Legacy Brand Shifts
In manufacturer volumes, Tesla posted a record 232,000 units, up 9% year-over-year. Geely achieved its best score of the year with 130,000 registrations. Notably, Toyota secured 61,332 registrations—its fourth consecutive record month—surpassing Volkswagen’s monthly output of 58,000 units to finish as the best-selling legacy automaker. MG also achieved a record 57,000 registrations, placing 7th overall.
Practical Takeaway
For European buyers, the accelerating shift toward pure electrics and the growing availability of new compact crossovers from brands like MG, Leapmotor, and Changan indicate expanding choices in the volume segments. Monitoring these regional export arrivals can help buyers identify newly launched alternatives to established domestic models.
Source: Original report