Top Selling Electric Vehicles in the World — 32% EV Share in September!

cleantechnica.com Nov 8, 2026

Top Selling Electric Vehicles in the World — 32% EV Share in September!

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Nov 8, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Global plug‑in vehicle registrations rose 3% YoY in September to roughly 2.16 million units, nearly matching the all‑time high of 2.17 million set last December. Battery‑electric sales surged 8% YoY, reaching a record 1.54 million, while plug‑in hybrids fell 9%, dragging overall plug‑in growth to a modest 4% YTD. BEVs captured 23% of September’s market, lifting the 2026 cumulative EV share to 25% (BEVs 18%, PHEVs 7%). Tesla’s Model Y led with 165 000 units, a 17% YoY gain, followed by the Model 3 (65 000) and BYD’s Song (54 519, up 19%). Six compact models set monthly records, and newcomers such as Geely’s Starray/Galaxy 7 and MG 07 entered the top‑20 conversation, underscoring a shift toward smaller EVs.

💡 Why It Matters

· The surge in pure‑electric sales and record‑setting models signal a decisive market pivot toward compact EVs, accelerating the transition away from hybrids and reshaping global automotive competition.

Capsules Transport

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Tesla Cybercab is set to get some massive improvements

Tesla announced significant updates for its Cybercab, including a new 40 kWh battery pack and a liquid silver color. CEO Elon Musk explained that eliminating Cybertruck production lines at Giga Texas will free capacity for Cybercab manufacturing. The updated model will feature engineering efficiencies that reduce cell count while maintaining performance, aiming to improve profitability and support Tesla’s autonomous ride‑hailing strategy. The move underscores Tesla’s shift toward dedicated commercial vehicle production over consumer pickups.

💡 By reallocating resources from the Cybertruck to the Cybercab, Tesla prioritizes scalable autonomous transport, potentially reshaping urban mobility and setting a new industry benchmark.

cleantechnica.com · Nov 8

Even California’s Biggest Ports Aren’t Betting On Hydrogen For Ships

California has long championed hydrogen, subsidizing vehicles, refueling stations and fuel‑cell buses, yet its two largest ports, Los Angeles and Long Beach, have excluded hydrogen from their new deep‑sea shipping fuel roadmap. The Clean Marine Fuel Feasibility Assessment, published in October, evaluated fleet needs, carrier preferences, fuel availability and infrastructure costs, recommending commercial methanol bunkering pilots, continued LNG ship‑to‑ship bunkering, and postponing new fuel terminals until demand materialises. Of 38 shipping lines surveyed, only one expressed any interest in hydrogen, while nine showed interest in methanol. The ports argue hydrogen’s low volumetric energy density, high handling costs and complex storage make it unsuitable for container vessels, whereas methanol fits existing liquid‑fuel infrastructure and can be tested with a $1 million incentive for a pilot operation.

💡 The ports’ decision signals that commercial viability, not policy enthusiasm, will dictate the next marine‑fuel infrastructure, steering investment toward liquid alternatives that align with current shipping economics.

cleantechnica.com · Nov 8

GM Steps On Tesla’s EV Toes With EV1 Celebration

General Motors marked the 30th anniversary of its EV1 program by showcasing the 1994 Impact concept and highlighting the pioneering technologies it introduced, such as heat‑pump climate control, advanced regenerative braking and fully electronic “by‑wire” controls. Although the EV1 was produced in limited numbers—about 1,000 leased units between 1996 and 2003 before being recalled and crushed—GM argues the model laid groundwork that predates Tesla’s entry in 2003. Senior writer Chris Perkins linked the EV1’s braking architecture to the one‑pedal and “regen‑on‑demand” systems used in today’s Chevrolet Bolt and Cadillac Lyriq. The campaign also positions GM as an early innovator, contrasting its historic milestones with Tesla’s recent production challenges, including the announced end of Cybertruck manufacturing next year.

💡 By framing its 1990s EV work as a direct ancestor of current models, GM seeks to claim technological leadership and differentiate itself from Tesla at a time when the EV market is recovering from policy setbacks.

cleantechnica.com · Nov 8

Tesla Hasn’t Had A Successful New Product Launch Since JB Straubel Stepped…

Tesla is preparing to cease production of the Cybertruck after a costly shortfall that left the project with an estimated $1.9 billion net loss. The company installed tooling for 125,000 units annually but sold only about 70,000 trucks over three years, far below its original target of 250,000 to 500,000 units. Development expenses topped $2 billion, while gross profit from sales reached roughly $100 million. The vehicle also fell short of promised specifications, costing twice the projected price and delivering half the expected range, resulting in a range‑per‑dollar metric only a quarter of forecasts. The Cybertruck’s failure marks the first major product launch misstep since chief technology officer JB Straubel departed in July 2019, a period that has seen no comparable Tesla successes.

💡 The debacle underscores how Tesla’s post‑Straubel era struggles to translate hype into profitable, market‑ready products, threatening its reputation for breakthrough engineering.

cleantechnica.com · Nov 8

The Velotric GoMad Electric Utility eBike — CleanTechnica Tested

Velotric’s GoMad Electric Utility eBike, a versatile model aimed at a broad consumer base, was tested by CleanTechnica. The bike arrives partially assembled and can be fully built with basic tools in 30‑60 minutes, including optional passenger‑kit installation. Its integrated downtube battery, oversized tires, and rear hub motor deliver 750 W continuous (1,300 W peak) power across six pedal‑assist modes, from Eco to Boost. The design incorporates a rear rack that converts into a passenger seat, supporting up to 500 lb, though the main saddle is flat and less cushioned. Reviewers noted a slight pulsating sensation at high assist levels and praised the bike’s stability when carrying a passenger. Priced at $1,899, a Black Friday deal adds a free youth passenger kit.

💡 The GoMad’s blend of high‑output motor, cargo capacity, and passenger‑friendly features positions it as a rare all‑in‑one solution for families and gig workers seeking a single e‑bike for commuting, deliveries, and leisure.

cleantechnica.com · Nov 8

REDD — Picking Up Our New Tesla Model Y

On November 7, 2026, a Brisbane couple collected their new Tesla Model Y, a 2026‑built Standard Range vehicle they nicknamed “REDD.” The handover took place at a bustling Tesla delivery centre, a stark contrast to the cramped, three‑minute exchanges of seven years earlier. While a line of internal‑combustion cars waited for trade‑in, dozens of Model Ys were being unloaded, and the staff guided the buyers through syncing phones and detailing procedures. The couple reflected on aging bodies, the emotional difficulty of parting with older cars, and the decision to sell their 180,000‑km Model 3 to their youngest daughter. They noted the Model Y’s recent dominance in Australia, where it has overtaken the Toyota RAV4 as the top‑selling passenger vehicle.

💡 The Model Y’s surge signals EVs moving from niche to mainstream in Australia, reshaping consumer habits and automotive journalism.