Chery Expects Overseas EV Sales to Top 1 Million in 2026

Chery Automobile expects a major surge in its overseas electric‑vehicle business in 2026. The Chinese automaker forecasts that sales of pure electric vehicles (EVs) and plug‑in hybrid vehicles outside mainland China will exceed one million units, reflecting both strong global demand and a strategic shift toward electrification.

Chery’s Overseas EV Sales Forecast for 2026

The company projects overseas deliveries of pure electric and plug‑in hybrid models will reach about 1.05 million units in 2026. That would represent a 27% increase from roughly 827,000 vehicles sold abroad in 2025.

If the target is met, electrified models will make up the majority of Chery’s international business. The company expects 65% to 70% of its overseas deliveries to be pure electric or plug‑in hybrid vehicles in 2026.

Total Overseas Sales Target

Chery’s EV push is part of a broader expansion strategy. The automaker aims to sell about 1.5 million vehicles overseas in 2026, which would mark a 12% increase year over year.

With electrified vehicles expected to account for up to 70% of those sales, the company is positioning EVs and plug‑in hybrids as the primary driver of its international growth.

Why the Energy Crisis Is Driving Demand

Chery executives say global energy market pressures are accelerating the shift toward electric mobility. Rising oil prices and energy‑security concerns have made fuel‑efficient and battery‑powered vehicles more attractive in many regions.

According to Chery International president Zhang Guibing, overseas demand for new‑energy vehicles is expanding rapidly, with growth described as “very impressive.”

This trend aligns with broader global patterns in which higher fuel costs and energy uncertainty are pushing consumers and governments to consider alternatives to conventional gasoline vehicles.

The Bigger Picture for Chery

Chery is already one of China’s leading vehicle exporters, and electrification is becoming central to its global strategy. By rapidly expanding EV and plug‑in hybrid sales abroad, the company is betting that international markets will increasingly favor lower‑emission vehicles as energy costs remain volatile and environmental policies tighten.

If the 2026 forecast proves accurate, Chery would surpass one million overseas EV sales in a single year, a milestone that highlights the accelerating global shift toward electrified transportation.