China's NEV Wholesale Sales Up 12% in May; Tesla China Delivers Record 85,982 Units

China's wholesale sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) were estimated at 1.36 million units in May, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period last year and an 11% rise from April, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).

Tesla China reported delivering 85,982 electric vehicles in May. This figure represents a 39.4% year-on-year growth and an 8% increase from the previous month, setting a new single-month delivery record for the company in China for 2026. This also marks the seventh consecutive month of year-on-year delivery growth for Tesla in the region.

The surge in NEV sales was influenced by several factors. Global oil price volatility, exacerbated by shipping disruptions, led to domestic retail price hikes for gasoline, making the lower energy costs of EVs more appealing. Manufacturers also improved production efficiency and supply chain management, while sufficient working days in May facilitated increased output.

The growth in the NEV market was widespread across major manufacturers. Companies including BYD, Chery, Tesla China, Leapmotor, and SAIC-GM-Wuling all achieved their highest May sales figures on record. Increased exports from domestic Chinese brands also contributed to the overall positive trend, creating strong demand both domestically and internationally.