February 2026 NEV sales figures show a reshuffling among major Chinese electric vehicle startups, with Leapmotor regaining the top position. The industry experienced a typical seasonal dip due to Chinese New Year festivities, impacting deliveries across the board. However, the overall trend remains upward, with several brands showing strong year-over-year growth despite monthly declines.
Leapmotor Reclaims Top Spot Amid Seasonal Slowdown
Leapmotor led with 28,067 vehicles sold, surpassing Huawei’s HIMA brand. While this represents a 12.5% decrease from January, the company’s year-over-year sales rose by 11%, bringing their 2026 cumulative total to over 60,000 units – second only to HIMA. This indicates Leapmotor’s increasing market traction despite short-term fluctuations.
Li Auto and HIMA Show Mixed Results
Li Auto moved up to second place, selling 26,421 vehicles, down 4.5% month-over-month but up 0.6% year-over-year. The company anticipates a boost from the upcoming launch of its Li L9 Livis SUV in the second quarter. HIMA, despite being overtaken by Leapmotor, remains a major player, delivering 21,517 vehicles. This is a substantial drop from January’s 57,915 units, but Aito continues to be its strongest sub-brand with approximately 18,000 deliveries.
Nio and Xiaomi Maintain Momentum
Nio delivered 20,797 vehicles, marking a 57.6% year-over-year increase and bringing its total cumulative deliveries to over 1,045,571 units. Xiaomi also reported sales exceeding 20,000 units as it prepares for mass production of its SU7 model. These figures demonstrate consistent growth despite seasonal pressures.
Xpeng Faces Challenges
Xpeng fell to last place among the major NEV startups, with sales of 15,256 vehicles. This represents a significant 23.8% month-over-month and 49.9% year-over-year decline – marking two consecutive months of falling sales. The company’s struggle highlights the competitive pressure in the NEV market, where consistent innovation and strong customer demand are critical for success.
The broader context shows a maturing NEV market in China, where competition is fierce and short-term fluctuations are common. These monthly sales figures provide a snapshot of brand performance, but long-term trends, product development, and evolving consumer preferences will ultimately determine which companies thrive. The volatility underscores the importance of adaptability and strategic planning for NEV startups aiming to secure lasting market share.
