Mercedes-Benz Group reported a sharp increase in global electric vehicle deliveries during the second quarter, with battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales rising despite continued weakness in the Chinese market.
The company delivered 63,000 battery-electric vehicles worldwide between April and June, representing a 25% increase from the first quarter of 2026 and a 50% rise compared with the same period last year.
Of the total, 52,900 were passenger cars and 10,100 were vans.
Across all vehicle categories and powertrains, Mercedes-Benz sold 511,900 passenger cars and vans during the quarter, up 2% year over year.
Electric Vehicles Account for Larger Share of Sales
Mercedes-Benz said battery-electric models represented 13% of its global passenger car deliveries during the quarter, compared with 7.7% a year earlier.
Combined sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, reported together as xEVs, reached 87,500 units, accounting for 21% of global passenger car sales.
In Europe, xEVs represented 43% of total passenger car deliveries.
China Remains a Challenging Market
The company’s passenger car division sold 417,800 vehicles globally during the second quarter, an 8% decline from a year earlier.
Mercedes-Benz attributed much of the decline to weaker demand in China, where passenger car sales fell 30% to just under 100,000 units during the quarter.
Sales in China for the first half of the year were down 28% compared with the same period in 2025.
Outside China, however, the company reported growth across several key markets.
Sales increased 13% in North America, 4% across Europe and 6% in Germany.
Europe Leads Battery-Electric Growth
Mercedes-Benz delivered 43,500 battery-electric passenger cars in Europe during the second quarter, an increase of 87% from a year earlier.
The company said fully electric vehicles now account for 26% of its passenger car sales in the region.
In Germany, battery-electric deliveries more than doubled compared with the same period last year.
Mercedes-Benz said strong demand for the electric CLA, GLC and GLB contributed to the increase.
The automaker also noted that customer orders for the electric GLC, electric CLA, electric GLB and the S-Class in Europe extend into next year.
New Models Target China Recovery
Mercedes-Benz said it expects upcoming product launches to support sales recovery in China, where competition and cautious consumer spending continue to affect demand.
The company plans to introduce several models tailored to Chinese customers during the second half of the year, including the long-wheelbase electric GLC L, the updated S-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, and the new GLE.
It also plans to introduce an artificial intelligence-powered cockpit and an advanced driver assistance system across most of its model range over the next six to twelve months.
Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales and Customer, said the company’s product rollout continues to expand.
“Our largest-ever model launch plan is gaining traction.”
“The new S-Class has made a successful start in Europe, with further regions to follow in the coming months. With the all-new electric C-Class, available to order since May, and the world premiere of the all-new electric GLA at the end of July, we are taking the next steps in our launch plan.”
Electric Van Sales Also Increase
Mercedes-Benz Vans delivered 94,100 vehicles during the quarter, including 10,100 battery-electric vans.
Electric van deliveries increased 46% compared with the second quarter of 2025 and 64% from the previous quarter.
Battery-electric models accounted for 11% of global van sales, up from 7% a year earlier.
In Europe, electric vans represented 13% of deliveries.
Mercedes-Benz said growth in North America and Europe helped offset weaker demand for mid-sized vans in China, while European van sales increased 5% year over year.