China’s EV exports hit record $9.2 billion in May, ASEAN demand powers 49% surge: Ember

China’s electric vehicle (EV) exports climbed to a record $9.2 billion in May 2026, marking a 49% year-on-year increase and underscoring the country’s growing dominance in the global clean mobility supply chain, according to new data released by energy think tank Ember.

The latest figure surpassed the previous monthly high of $9.1 billion recorded in April, reflecting robust overseas demand for Chinese-made electric vehicles, particularly from Southeast Asian markets. China exported around 448,000 electric passenger vehicles during the month, including nearly 279,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 169,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

ASEAN emerges as key growth engine

Exports to Southeast Asia reached an all-time high of $1.2 billion in May as countries across the region accelerated efforts to electrify transport fleets and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, as por the data shared by Ember.

Thailand emerged as the largest destination, importing a record more than 36,000 Chinese electric vehicles during the month. The Philippines followed closely, with shipments exceeding 33,000 units. Smaller markets such as Cambodia and Lao PDR also posted record volumes, aided by supportive government policies, charging infrastructure expansion and local assembly initiatives.

Cambodia recently cut customs duties on battery electric vehicles to zero and reduced tariffs on plug-in hybrids to 7% from 35%, while Lao PDR lowered EV registration and service fees and mandated transport companies to ensure electric vehicles account for at least 10% of their fleets by the end of 2026.

According to Ember, China’s EV exports have expanded dramatically over the past five years, growing from less than $1 billion a month in 2020 and steadily closing the gap with lithium-ion batteries as the country’s largest cleantech export category.

Fuel market disruption boosts electrification

Ember attributed part of the demand surge to volatility in global energy markets and rising concerns over fuel security.

“As anticipated, the disruption to global fuel markets caused by the Middle East conflict and the resulting impacts on fuel prices have accelerated transport electrification across ASEAN,” said Lam Pham, Energy Analyst – Asia at Ember.

“The current energy crisis has reinforced the value of electrification as a pathway to greater energy security, reduced fuel import exposure, and long-term transport cost savings,” Pham added.

Highlighting the broader regional trend, Euan Graham, Senior Electricity and Data Analyst (Global) at Ember, said: “China’s electric vehicle exports continue to break records, and the surge in shipments to ASEAN markets is especially striking. Southeast Asia is fast becoming one of the most dynamic destinations for electric vehicles, and China is supplying that demand at scale and speed.”

The record shipments point to accelerating EV adoption across Asia and reinforce China’s position at the centre of the global electric mobility ecosystem.