China's electric vehicle exports just surged 40% last month, cementing its lead in the global EV market. Because apparently, even with trade tensions humming, the world still wants what China's selling.
Bloomberg's customs data crunched the numbers: 278,081 Chinese EVs shipped out in April alone. That pushes the total overseas sales for the year to a rather tidy 893,852. Let that satisfying number sink in.
Where Are All These EVs Going?
Turns out, Asia is the biggest fan, snapping up 110,613 vehicles. Europe followed with 83,813, then Latin America with 52,897. Oceania took 22,695, and, perhaps surprisingly, North America imported a modest 4,422.
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Start Your News DetoxBut the real standout? Brazil. Demand there shot up a staggering 221%, importing 38,144 Chinese EVs. South Korea, Germany, and Australia also saw their imports jump between 100% and 190%. Because apparently, a good deal on a zippy EV transcends borders.
This export boom is happening despite the US slapping a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs and banning certain software. The EU isn't far behind, with tariffs up to 35.3%. Yet, the cars keep moving.
China already produces about 75% of the world's EVs. Last year, Chinese EV exports hit a record 2.5 million, doubling the previous year's numbers. Outside of Europe and the US, Chinese models accounted for 55% of all EV sales. Basically, if you're not in a major Western market, there's a good chance your new EV is Chinese.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts global EV sales will hit 23 million in 2026, making up nearly 30% of all auto sales. Last year, we passed 20 million global EV sales, accounting for a quarter of the market. Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying for anyone still clinging to a gas guzzler.
