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Global NEV Sales Slip in Q1 as Chinese Brands Make Big Gains in Europe

Market research still foresees strong full-year NEV growth while rising commodity and vehicle-memory costs threaten automaker margins and intensify price competition.

Overview

  • TrendForce reports global new energy vehicle (NEV) deliveries fell to 3.94 million in Q1 2026, a 2% year-on-year decline.
  • TrendForce says Tesla reclaimed the lead in pure battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales for the quarter, overtaking BYD at the global BEV level.
  • The European Automobile Manufacturers Association data show overall new-car registrations in the EU, UK and EFTA rose about 7% in April and electrified models (BEV, PHEV, hybrid) grew roughly 21%, making up more than two-thirds of new registrations.
  • Chinese makers posted outsized gains in Europe, with BYD’s April registrations jumping sharply to about 27,000 units and Chery growing by roughly 322%, while Tesla’s European registrations were smaller at about 10,600 units as it recovers.
  • TrendForce projects full-year NEV deliveries of about 23.35 million in 2026 (roughly +14% year-on-year) but warns that structural raw-material price rises and higher vehicle memory/storage costs could squeeze margins and drive more aggressive pricing and overseas expansion by Chinese automakers.