Toyota's EV Sales Jump 127% in 2026 Despite Overall Sales Decline

Toyota's electric vehicle (EV) sales more than doubled in the first nine months of 2026, marking a significant shift for the Japanese automaker as it navigates a challenging global market. According to the company's latest figures, Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus sold 309,766 fully electric vehicles worldwide during the period, a 127.4% increase compared to the same timeframe last year.

The surge in EV demand comes despite an overall decline in Toyota's global sales, primarily attributed to weaker demand in China, one of its largest markets. The company has faced headwinds in the region, where sales of gasoline and hybrid cars have struggled, but its electric offerings have bucked the trend.

Toyota's monthly EV sales have consistently more than doubled year-over-year in 2026, with the exception of January, when they rose 87.5%. This growth has been fueled by the introduction of updated electric models, including the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ, as well as an expanded lineup featuring the C-HR+, bZ4X Touring, and Urban Cruiser. Lexus has also added an electric version of its ES sedan.

The Toyota bZ4X, in particular, has emerged as a standout performer. The model sold nearly 100,000 units in the first eight months of 2026, ranking among the world's 20 best-selling electric vehicles for that period, according to EV sales data.

Despite the impressive growth, fully electric vehicles still represent a relatively small share of Toyota's total sales. The company's broader portfolio continues to rely heavily on hybrid and gasoline-powered cars, but the rapid adoption of its EVs signals a growing acceptance of Toyota's electric strategy.

As Toyota continues to expand its electric offerings, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the company can sustain this momentum and further increase the share of EVs in its global sales mix.