China’s retail sales of passenger new energy vehicles (NEVs) fell 11% year-on-year to 614,000 units from April 1 to 26, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). The figure was also 6% lower than in the same period last month, reflecting a cautious consumer stance ahead of a major auto show. During this timeframe, NEVs accounted for 61.2% of all passenger vehicle retail sales, outperforming traditional combustion-engine models amid broader market softness.
Through April 26, cumulative NEV retail sales for the year reached 2.523 million units, down 19% from the same period in 2025. Overall passenger vehicle retail sales in the country totaled 1.004 million units between April 1 and 26, a 24% decline year-on-year and a 19% drop from the prior month. Year-to-date retail sales of all passenger vehicles stood at 5.226 million units, down 19% from a year earlier.
Weekly average daily retail sales also weakened throughout April. From April 1–6, average daily sales were 24,594 units (down 30% year-on-year and 20% month-on-month). Between April 7–12, they rose to 38,159 units (down 13% year-on-year and 5% month-on-month). From April 13–19, daily sales averaged 35,742 units (down 33% year-on-year and 27% month-on-month), and from April 20–26 they reached 53,948 units (down 21% year-on-year and month-on-month).
On the wholesale side, NEV shipments totaled 712,000 units during the same period, down 11% year-on-year and 13% month-on-month. Total wholesales of all passenger vehicles were 1.268 million units (down 15% year-on-year and 24% month-on-month). Average daily wholesales fell in early April due partly to the Tomb-Sweeping Day holiday, before partially rebounding later in the month. Cumulative wholesale volumes for the year stood at 7.134 million units, an 8% decline from a year earlier.
The CPCA attributed the wholesale adjustment to both sluggish retail demand and proactive supply cuts aimed at avoiding inventory buildup. It noted that accelerated product launches and technology upgrades, combined with multiple new model debuts at the Beijing Auto Show, heightened consumer wait-and-see sentiment. Challenges in dealership profitability have also intensified, putting operational pressure on the distribution sector.
Source: CnEVPost
