In brief
Xinhua reports Japan’s electric vehicle sales topped 100,000 units in the first ten months of 2026, totaling 111,876 vehicles sold – 95,614 standard and compact cars and 16,262 ultracompact models. The government, which currently offers up to 1.3 million yen in subsidies, may close the program by December and reduce subsidy amounts in January 2027 in response to soaring demand.
Xinhua reported on November 6, 2026 that Japan’s electric vehicle (EV) sales surpassed the 100,000‑unit threshold for the first time in the country’s history, with 111,876 units sold from January through October.
The Japan Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association, as cited by Kyodo News, provided the sales breakdown: 95,614 standard and compact passenger cars and 16,262 ultracompact electric vehicles.
Under the existing incentive scheme, buyers receive subsidies of up to 1.3 million yen (about US$8,200). Xinhua added that, amid the strong sales momentum, the government may expect applications for the current subsidy program to close as early as December, and the subsidy amount itself could be reduced starting January 2027.