Global electric vehicle sales dipped 11% year-over-year in February, and North America followed suit, dropping 36%, the U.S. leading the decline, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.

“The global EV market’s divergence has sharpened further as 2026 progresses, with February’s performance underlining stark regional contrasts,” said Benchmark Mineral Intelligence Data Manager Charles Lester.

“Europe continues to act as the engine of growth, while North America remains in retreat and China adjusts to structural policy changes at home, even as exports accelerate.”

Though the North American EV market was down from a year earlier, it rose 8% month-on-month, according to the EV supply chain data provider. It said most automakers in the U.S. have experienced declined EV sales. Ford’s battery-electric vehicle deliveries have fallen 70% year-to-date, Honda’s 81% and Kia’s 52%.

The effects are being seen across the industry as lithium-ion battery maker SK On recently laid off 37% of the workforce at its Georgia facility, Benchmark reported.

Canada, however, has made moves to boost its EV market. In January it forged an agreement with China to allow Chinese-made EVs into the country at a reduced tariff rate. And in February it announced plans to deepen its collaboration with Germany to include expanding the trade of EVs.

While China is still the EV leader, it saw a 32% year-over-year decline in February due to the introduction of a purchase tax and adjustments to a trade-in scheme. However, its exports doubled, surpassing half a million units in the first two months of the year.