Global sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rose 26% year-on-year in September to a record 2.1 million units, driven by robust demand in China and a last-minute U.S. tax-credit rush, market research firm Rho Motion reported on Wednesday.

China accounted for roughly two-thirds of global sales, totaling about 1.3 million units, while North America also reached a record level as U.S. buyers rushed to secure incentives before they expired, according to Rho Motion data manager Charles Lester.