Sales of sub-€25,000 electric car models set to rise sevenfold
4 hours ago
- Sales of electric cars under €25,000 are projected to increase sevenfold in 2026 compared to 2024, driven by EU CO2 targets.
- Almost 40 new electric models launched in the first half of 2026, with around 60 more expected by year-end, quadrupling the average annual new model launches from 2021-2025.
- Consumer demand for affordable EVs is strong, as shown by the rapid sell-out of VW's ID. Polo, contradicting earlier carmaker claims of lack of demand.
- Electric cars provide lower running costs and protection from oil price spikes, saving users about €350 since the Iran war-induced crisis began.
- EU battery electric vehicle sales hit a record 1.64 million from January to August 2026, a 45% year-on-year increase, and BEVs outsold petrol cars for the first time in Q2 2026.
- Weakening the 2030-2035 EU car targets would risk cutting affordable EV supply by nearly three-quarters and undermine Europe's competitiveness in the global EV race.