Neutral impactEconomy
Petrol powers half of new cars if hybrids not counted
Times of India 4 hrs ago·14 Sept 2026, 12:27 am
A new report suggests that petrol-powered cars are now the dominant choice for new buyers, accounting for half of all global vehicle sales. This figure rises significantly if hybrid vehicles are excluded, highlighting a continued reliance on traditional internal combustion engines despite a global push toward electric mobility. The data indicates that the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is still in its early stages compared to the massive scale of the existing petrol market.
For investors, this trend underscores the long-term relevance of the traditional automotive sector. It suggests that legacy automakers and oil companies will remain central to the global economy for the foreseeable future. While the EV transition is accelerating, the sheer volume of petrol cars on the road means that fossil fuel demand is likely to stay high for many years, influencing energy policies and investment strategies across the board.
Investors should monitor how major automakers are balancing their investments in new electric technologies against their massive existing petrol fleets. The stock performance of traditional auto manufacturers may continue to be influenced by consumer preferences for internal combustion engines. Keeping an eye on government regulations and infrastructure development will be key to understanding the future pace of this transition.
Key takeaways
- Category: Economy.
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