Stellantis Faces $50B EV Impairments as China Sales Fall 20%, US Down 33%
Global EV sales fell to 1.2 million units in January, down 3% year-over-year, with China volumes sliding 20% and North America plunging 33% to its weakest monthly figure since 2022. Detroit automakers, including Stellantis, booked roughly $50 billion in EV-related impairments after revising production plans.
1. January EV Market Slump
Global EV sales reached 1.2 million units in January 2026, down 3% year-over-year and 44% from December 2025, marking the weakest monthly volume in North America since early 2022.
2. Stellantis Takes $50B Impairment Hit
Detroit automakers, including Stellantis, recorded roughly $50 billion in EV-related impairments, driven by excess production capacity and revised demand forecasts for battery vehicle lines.
3. Policy Shifts Drive Regional Declines
China’s introduction of a 5% EV purchase tax and reduced incentives led to a 20% drop in sales, while the expiration of US federal credits triggered a 33% slump in North America.