In 2026, 116 million electric vehicles (EVs) – cars, buses, vans and heavy trucks – are forecast to be on the road, according to Gartner, Inc., a business and technology insights company.
Expert Take:
“Despite the U.S. government introducing tariffs on vehicle imports and many governments removing the subsidies and incentives for purchasing EVs, the number of EVs on the road is forecast to increase 30% in 2026,” said Jonathan Davenport, Sr Director Analyst at Gartner. “In 2026, China is projected to account for 61% of total EV installed base, and global ownership of plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) is expected to rise 32% year-over-year as customers value the reassurance of a back-up petrol engine for use, should they need it.”
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are forecast to continue to account for well over half of EV installed base, but there is an increasing proportion of customers choosing PHEVs (see Table 1).
Table 1. Electric Vehicle Installed Base by Vehicle Type, Worldwide, 2025-2026 (Single Units)
| 2025 Installed Base | 2026 Installed Base | |
| Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) | 59,480,370 | 76,344,452 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) | 30,074,582 | 39,835,111 |
| Total | 89,554,951 | 116,179,563 |
Source: Gartner (December 2025)
Gartner clients can read more in the report Forecast: Electric Vehicle Shipments, Worldwide, 2024-2032.
