Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Use to Increase 32% in 2026
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.
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Gartner for High Tech Leaders and Providers equips tech leaders and their teams with role-based best practices, industry insights and strategic views into emerging trends and market changes to achieve their mission-critical priorities and build the successful organizations of tomorrow. Additional information is available at www.gartner.com/en/industries/high-tech.
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Gartner, Inc. specializes in analysis and consulting services in IT and communication technologies. Net sales break down by activity as follows:
- research and analysis services (82.7%): conducting analyzes, market assessment, and publication of research to help clients gain market visibility and select suppliers of products or services best suited to their needs;
- consulting services (8.7%): consulting services in the selection and implementation of IT projects, digital marketing strategy, development and realization of information systems architectures, digital transformation projects, etc.;
- organization of congresses, conferences and exhibitions (8.6%).
At the end of 2023, the group had around 2,500 analysts and 960 consultants around the world.
Net sales are distributed geographically as follows: the United States and Canada (66.2%), Europe/Middle East/Africa (22.6%) and other (11.2%).
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