Abstract: The article examines the current state of the global electric vehicle market and presents the prospects for its development. The classification of electric vehicles according to the World Customs Organization is highlighted, taking into account the amendments made to distinguish between traditional vehicles with an internal combustion engine and their electrified alternatives, which allowed to increase the accuracy of international trade statistics, ensure effective monitoring of the development of the electric vehicle market and improve the analytical support for research in the field of global electromobility. As a result, the World Customs Organization has identified separate subcategories for vehicles with gasoline, diesel and semi-diesel engines without an electric drive, and also introduced new classification groups for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. The key features of the development of the electric vehicle market in developing and developed countries are presented. The features of electric vehicle sales in leading countries of the world are characterized, and key trends in the development of the automotive industry are identified. It is analyzed that the global trade in electric vehicles continues to develop actively: about a quarter of all electric vehicles produced in 2025 were sold through international deliveries. The European Union demonstrated a simultaneous growth in both exports and imports of electric vehicles, with China remaining the main supplier. At the same time, in the first quarter of 2026, Chinese exports of electric vehicles continued to grow, compensating for the slowdown in domestic demand. It was found that China remains the world’s largest center for electric vehicle production and maintains a dominant position in the production of batteries and components for electric vehicles, while the US and EU markets demonstrate more moderate dynamics due to changes in state support mechanisms and regulatory policies.

The article analyzes the International Energy Agency (IEA) Global EV Outlook reports, according to which it is predicted that in 2026 global sales of electric vehicles will reach about 23 million units, and their share in the total volume of car sales will increase to 28%, which will contribute not only to the transformation of the automotive industry, but also to the formation of a more sustainable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly model of the world economy. The article noted numerous advantages and analyzed optimistic prospects for the growth of the electric vehicle market in the world, which are determined by a complex combination of economic advantages, technological innovations, environmental effects and global growth trends. The article also states that the further development of the global electric vehicle market will depend on the improvement of battery technologies, reduction of production costs, development of charging infrastructure and integration of electric vehicles into modern energy systems through Vehicle-to-Grid technologies. The formation of a circular economy in the field of battery recycling is also of great importance, which will help reduce the resource dependence of the automotive industry and increase its environmental sustainability.