Toyota Motor has reported that its global electric vehicle sales more than doubled through the first nine months of 2026, even as broader regional challenges pulled down overall corporate volume. Including the Lexus brand, Toyota sold 309,766 battery electric vehicles globally through September, representing a 127.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Aside from January, which saw an 87.5% increase, EV sales more than doubled every individual month of 2026 relative to the previous year.
Global EV Expansion and New Model Lineups
The acceleration in electric vehicle demand follows the introduction of updated versions of Toyota’s first-generation electric SUVs, including the bZ4X and the Lexus RZ. Toyota has expanded its portfolio with several additional electric models, such as the C-HR+, the bZ4X Touring, and the Urban Cruiser, alongside the Lexus ES EV. Both brands have also scheduled upcoming three-row electric SUVs to launch over the subsequent few months. According to Cleantechnica data, the Toyota bZ4X ranked as the 20th best-selling EV worldwide through August, achieving nearly 100,000 units sold.
The Chinese Market Downturn
Despite rising EV figures, Toyota’s overall global sales fell for the third consecutive month in September, dropping 2.2% year-over-year to 860,107 vehicles. Through September, total global sales reached 7.51 million vehicles, down 3.4%. The primary driver of the decline is China, where Toyota sales plunged nearly 20% over eight consecutive months of lower performance. Total sales in China reached just over 1.05 million vehicles through September, an 18.9% decline. Toyota attributed the regional slump to rising gasoline prices and weak demand specifically affecting gasoline and hybrid vehicles. In response to competitive pressures, Toyota plans to build a new Lexus electric SUV at a new manufacturing plant in Shanghai starting next fall, utilizing advanced production methods like gigacasting.
Practical Takeaway
While Toyota’s battery electric vehicle volume is growing rapidly—surpassing 309,000 units through September—BEVs still represent under 3% of the automaker’s total global sales volume. Buyers evaluating Toyota and Lexus electrified lineups should review regional model rollouts, as local manufacturing shifts in China and updated SUV offerings continue to roll out globally.
Source: Original report