EU electric vehicle sales rose 45% in eight months — InsideEVs
In the European Union, 1.64 million electric vehicles were sold from January through August, 45% more than in the same period of the previous year. Such cars accounted for about 22% of all new registrations. InsideEVs reported this, citing a Transport & Environment study.
Affordable models expand choice
The number of available electric models in the EU increased by 50% compared with last year. According to Transport & Environment, five of the 20 most popular rechargeable models in Europe have electric versions with a starting price below €30,000 in at least one market. The calculation is based on prices in Germany before incentives are applied.
The organization forecasts that sales of electric vehicles with a starting price of up to €25,000 will be seven times higher this year than the 2024 level. By the end of 2026, 16 models in this price category are expected to be available on the market, twice as many as last year.
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Growth in registrations of new models
The Renault 5 E-Tech became the third most popular electric vehicle in the EU in 2025 and the best-selling electric subcompact model. After its launch, the company introduced the cheaper Renault Twingo. In the first half of 2026, Renault electric vehicle sales rose by 63.2%, following an increase of 72.2% in 2025.
In August, the Kia EV2 was registered 4,429 times, the Cupra Raval 3,608 times, and the Volkswagen ID. Polo 1,876 times in its debut month. At the same time, demand remains for more expensive models: the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Elroq, BMW iX1, BMW iX3, and Volkswagen ID.4 each recorded more than 6,000 registrations in August.
Transport & Environment also notes that European manufacturers offer nearly 60% of available electric models and added 16 new products in the first half of 2026. Chinese automakers hold a 21% market share; during the same period, they introduced 11 new models. The publication also cites higher fuel prices among the factors driving the transition to electric vehicles.
