Middle East Conflict Drives Surge in Global EV Demand, Chinese Brands Shine

According to Xinhua News Agency, the global energy market has been severely shaken by the Middle East conflict. Since February 28, the US-Israel-Iran war has triggered a sharp rise in global energy prices, with Brent crude oil futures, the global benchmark, surging over 40%—the largest monthly increase ever recorded. Spot prices of diesel, gasoline and other refined oil products have risen even more sharply, making electric vehicles (EVs) and electric motorcycles increasingly attractive worldwide.

The soaring prices of traditional fossil fuels and growing supply shortage risks have boosted EV appeal, especially in Asia and Europe, which rely heavily on imported energy. Since the conflict broke out, the global EV market has seen explosive growth, with overall sales surging despite regional differences, according to China Daily.

In Southeast Asia, EV sales have doubled. Thailand’s monthly EV sales rose 20%, with pure electric vehicle registrations jumping over 240% year-on-year, and in-store EV inquiries increasing fivefold. In the Philippines, many consumers have canceled fuel vehicle orders to buy EVs, while Vietnam and Indonesia face shortages as affordable micro EV production lags behind orders.

In Australia, February pure electric vehicle sales rose 95.9% year-on-year, with an 11.8% market share, and Chinese brands led sales. Data from UK’s Autotrader shows inquiries about new and used EVs have surged. “Demand is not just about price but confidence,” said an Autotrader official, adding the conflict has become a key catalyst for UK EV attention.

The shift from fuel to electric vehicles may accelerate irreversibly. For oil exporters, the conflict may reshape consumer and government preferences toward EVs, plug-in hybrids and renewable energy, even if oil prices fall later.

Chinese EV brands have stood out. According to China Youth Net, Chinese brands sold 22,362 units in Australia in February, surpassing Japan’s 21,671 to become the top import source, with BYD facing stockouts. In the Middle East, February EV imports rose over 120% year-on-year, with the UAE importing 57,000 Chinese EVs. In Israel, Chinese brands hold 41.4% of the market. In nine European countries, EV sales hit 227,900 units in February, up 29.1% year-on-year, with BYD’s sales rising 179% year-on-year.

Chinese EVs’ strength stems from high cost-performance, long battery life and intelligence, aligning with global energy transition and carbon neutrality goals, helping them gain greater international recognition.