Pure-Electric Three-Row SUVs Lead China Market in May with 27,884 Sales, Up 9 Consecutive Months

According to China Terminal data, pure-electric three-row SUVs sold 27,884 units in May 2026, ranking first among all powertrain types in the segment. Extended-range vehicles sold 22,730 units, plug-in hybrids 26,500 units, and fuel-powered models 17,685 units. Pure-electric models have led the market for nine consecutive months since September 2025, consistently outselling extended-range vehicles. Fuel-powered large SUVs fell to last place for the first time, with sales halving year-over-year from 40,818 units to 17,685 units.

In the five-seat SUV segment, pure-electric sales surged 213% month-over-month in May, exceeding fuel-powered alternatives. Market data from the China Passenger Car Association showed that pure-electric vehicles were the only powertrain category with positive growth; extended-range sales declined 24.9% year-over-year, marking the largest single-month drop in five years. A McKinsey survey indicated that 60% of extended-range and plug-in hybrid owners are considering switching to pure-electric vehicles.