European EV sales hit record
Your browser does not support the audio element.
Europe's adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is surging, with record sales in the January-to-August period this year, according to a study by Brussels-based environmental advocacy group Transport & Environment (T&E). EV sales reached 1.64 million, a 45 percent increase year-on-year, with the vehicles accounting for 22 percent of the market, up six points from the same period last year.
T&E anticipates 2026 as a critical year for EV availability, with model choice up 50 percent in a single year as manufacturers expand their line-ups to meet European Union (EU) emissions targets. The report coincides with carmakers, such as Volkswagen AG, launching affordable EVs like the all-electric Polo, aiding the German company in closing its compliance gap and preventing fines.
European carmakers hold nearly 60 percent of available models, contributing 16 new offerings in the first half. Chinese manufacturers account for 21 percent, adding 11 models. The analysis attributes the surge to the impact of rising fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict, with diesel prices increasing the most at 38 percent since the Iran war began, making a 50-litre tank cost 30 euros more.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
