European
EV Sales Hit Unprecedented High in 2026

Brussels,
5 Oct 2026 (ONA) — Data released today by the Brussels-based Transport and
Environment advocacy group showed that electric vehicle (EV) sales in the
European Union (EU) reached an unprecedented high in 2026, with sales amounting
to 1.64 million cars during the period from January to August, a 45 percent
increase year-on-year.

According
to the data, electric vehicles accounted for 22 percent of the market during
this period, an increase of six percentage points over the same period in 2025.

The
Transport and Environment group described 2026 as “a pivotal year for
electric vehicle availability,” as the number of available models rose 50
percent within one year, with automakers expanding their line-ups to meet the EU’s
emission reduction targets.

The
data comes as automakers such as Volkswagen roll out a number of affordable EVs,
including a fully electric Polo model, helping the German automotive group
bridge its current compliance gap and avoid fines.

European
automakers dominated the supply of EVs with approximately 60 percent of
available models, adding 16 models in the first half of 2026, while Chinese
automakers captured 21 percent and added 11 models.

The
data also pointed to the impact of rising fuel prices linked to the conflict in
the Middle East on drivers of internal combustion engine vehicles.

It
explained that diesel recorded the largest increase, rising 38 percent since
the outbreak of the war between America and Iran, with a 50-litre tank now
costing an additional 30 euros ($34).

—
Ends/Khalid