The global electric mobility transition is accelerating faster than most earlier projections. Gartner’s forecast data shows 116 million electric vehicles (EVs) to be on the road worldwide by 2026.
“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.”
BEVs Still Dominate, but PHEVs Are Gaining Quiet Momentum
Gartner’s forecast shows that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will continue to make up well over half of the global EV fleet through 2026, reaffirming their position as the dominant zero-emission technology. However, the data also signals a subtle but important shift: plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are steadily gaining favour among consumers.
Analysts attribute this rise to practical concerns such as charging accessibility, range concerns in developing markets. For many first-time EV buyers, especially in regions where infrastructure is uneven, PHEVs are emerging as a logical middle path, blending electrification benefits with the reassurance of a combustion backup.
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