Brazil sets record in oil production in June

Global electric vehicle sales reached a record in the second quarter of 2026. This growth was stimulated by the rise in oil prices, caused by the Middle East war, as detailed in the report Electric Car Markets in a Time of Uncertainty, published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on July 30th.

According to the agency, fifty nations recorded record electric vehicle sales between April and June. Brazil is among the five major markets where registration figures practically doubled in the period from March to June, compared to the same interval in 2025. These markets were accompanied by Australia, India, South Korea, and Vietnam.

This progress occurred despite the general slowdown in the automotive sector. Total car sales suffered a drop of approximately 5% in the first half, mainly influenced by China and the United States. Although electric vehicles experienced a setback in the first quarter, they managed to recover in the second, registering a 35% increase compared to the previous three months. Furthermore, more than ninety countries showed annual growth during the semester.

Expensive fuel becomes a decisive factor in purchasing

The conflict that began on February 28 raised the barrel of oil to US$100 in March, placing the cost of fuels back at the center of purchasing decisions. The IEA points out that road transport is responsible for almost half of global oil consumption.

Considering this new landscape and the continuation of incentives offered in Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, the agency adjusted its annual forecast: electric vehicles are expected to account for 29% of global car sales in 2026, a percentage higher than projected in May.

China accumulates electric vehicle stock

The report also signals a slowdown in China. For the first time in a decade, electric car sales in the country are expected to remain stable year-on-year, even though more than 60% of vehicles traded there are electric, a historic achievement.

Chinese exports of electric vehicles in the semester were almost equivalent to the total of 2025. The IEA estimates that only two-thirds of these units have been sold, meaning more than one million cars are available in international markets.