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ICE car sales continue to plummet in China, the top 16 cars are now EVs
In May, every car among the top sixteen sold in China was electric, as the internal combustion engine (ICE) market experiences a drastic decline. According to data from the China Passenger Car Association, ICE car sales dropped 39% year-over-year, contributing to a significant shift towards electric vehicles. While overall NEV sales faced a slight decline, the rise of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) indicates a long-term trend towards electrification in the automotive market. This transformation reflects a growing consumer preference for EVs and highlights China's commitment to sustainable transportation.
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Published 9 Jun 2026, 12:32 UTC4 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- 100% of the top 16 cars sold in China are now electric vehicles.
- ICE vehicle sales decreased by 39% year-over-year.
- China's NEV market share reached 62.9% in May.
- BEV sales increased by 3.9% from last year.
- NEV exports from China rose by 112.6% year-over-year.
Interesting facts
- China is now the largest car exporting country in the world.
- All gas-powered vehicles were eradicated from the monthly top ten list.
- The decline in ICE car sales is tied to rising global oil prices.