China EV sales hit record 65.2% share as Iran war shifts demand from petrol

China's EV penetration reached a record 65.2% of new car sales in August 2026, up from 65.1% the prior month, driven by consumer concerns over petrol supply and prices amid the Iran war. The data from CPCA shows a continued structural shift, with the conflict accelerating an existing trend rather than reversing it. This underscores energy-security-driven demand for electrification in the world's largest auto market.