Global market snapshot
The IEA's Global EV Outlook 2026 reports more than 20 million electric cars sold worldwide in 2025, a 20% annual increase and around one-quarter of all new car sales.
In this dataset, electric cars include battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Conventional hybrids without external charging are not included. Our home-page figures describe historical 2025 sales and are not a live sales counter.
IEA: Global EV Outlook 2026 executive summaryUnderstand the car types
BEV / battery electric
Powered by an electric motor using a rechargeable battery. It is charged from an external electricity supply.
PHEV / plug-in hybrid
Combines an externally rechargeable battery and electric motor with a combustion engine. Electric-only range and usage differ by model.
Australian Government: EV definitions
Ownership research
- Preparing to buy an electric vehicle
Australian Government guidance on practical buying questions.
- How to charge your electric vehicle
Charging equipment, cost and time considerations.
- Tesla: home charging
A manufacturer's guide; hardware availability and electrical standards are market specific.
Our calculation method
Energy cost estimates use user-entered annual distance, consumption, prices and charging losses. They do not estimate whole-of-ownership costs.
Read the full method →Editorial standard
Reviewed 10 November 2026. We use primary sources where available and keep market dates visible. Source pages can change. Confirm current model details and local costs before making a purchase.