{
  "id": 2963011,
  "title": "High oil prices, subsidies and affordable models rev up European EV sales",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/high-oil-prices-subsidies-and-affordable-models-rev-up-european-ev-2963011",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-24T06:42:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/high-oil-prices-subsidies-and-affordable-models-rev-up-european-ev-sales-4872605"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "High oil prices, government subsidies, and the emergence of more affordable electric vehicles (EVs) have led to a surge in EV sales across much of Europe in July, according to data provided to Reuters. The data shows that EV sales have increased by 40.5% in the EU's first half compared to the same period in 2025, representing 20.7% of all car sales. EV registrations across 16 markets covering over 90% of EU car sales rose 13% year-on-year in July, accounting for 25.7% of all new car sales. Renault UK's managing director, Adam Wood, noted that EVs are now part of the mainstream, with Renault's UK sales being 50% electric in July, up from 10% two years ago. The Renault 5, a revamped version of the iconic 1972 model, became Britain's best-selling electric car in July, with a range of up to 250 miles. Renault is set to launch the electric Twingo later this year, priced below £20,000 before potential UK government subsidies. Charlotte Merrell, a 32-year-old EV owner, emphasized that the cost savings from home charging make the switch to an electric vehicle worthwhile. Industry data reveals that EV sales in the EU jumped 40.5% in the first half of the year, with 1.2 million cars sold, accounting for 20.7% of all sales. OLX, an online marketplace, reported a significant increase in EV inquiries since the Iran war began, with customer inquiries rising by 84% in France, 59% in Romania, 30% in Portugal, and 19% in Poland. Chinese brands, known for offering affordable models, are increasingly featured on EV listings. A recent poll by German online marketplace Carwow found that 62% of respondents believe switching to an EV is the best long-term solution to high fuel costs. In France, EVs accounted for 29% of new car sales, and the country's social leasing EV subsidies program for lower-income buyers saw a 35% jump in registrations in July alone. However, Marie-Laure Nivot, head of automotive market analysis at AAA DATA, cautioned that the transition to EVs could reach a saturation point if public charging infrastructure is not adequately addressed, especially for those living in apartments.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "High oil prices, subsidies and affordable models rev up European EV sales",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/high-oil-prices-subsidies-and-affordable-models-rev-up-european-ev",
        "published": "2026-08-24T05:05:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}