Key facts
- European EV sales reached a record 1.64 million units between January and August 2026.
- EVs constituted 22% of the European car market during this period.
- The availability of EV models increased by 50% in 2026.
- European carmakers provided nearly 60% of the EV models available in the first half of 2026.
- Rising fuel prices have impacted drivers of combustion-engine cars.
European electric vehicle sales have surged to record levels in 2026, driven by an increased availability of affordable models and the need for automakers to comply with European Union emissions targets. According to a report by the Brussels-based environmental advocacy group Transport & Environment (T&E), 1.64 million EVs were sold across the EU in the January-to-August period, marking a 45% increase year-on-year.
EVs now represent 22% of the total European car market, a six-point rise compared to the same period last year. T&E described 2026 as a "pivotal year for EV availability," with the choice of models expanding by 50% within the year as manufacturers broaden their lineups.
Carmakers such as Volkswagen are introducing more budget-friendly EVs, including the all-electric Polo, which helps the German auto group meet its compliance obligations and avoid potential fines. European manufacturers accounted for nearly 60% of the EV models available in the first half of 2026, adding 16 new options, while Chinese carmakers offered 21% of the models, adding 11 new entries.
The study also highlighted the effect of rising fuel prices, exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East, on drivers of traditional combustion-engine vehicles. Diesel prices have seen the most significant increase, rising 38% since the start of the Iran war, making a 50-litre tank approximately €30 ($34) more expensive.