Electric vehicle adoption in Europe is gaining momentum, with sales reaching record levels so far this year as a growing range of lower-cost models enters the market, helping automakers meet European Union emissions targets, a study showed on Monday.
The study by Brussels-based environmental group Transport & Environment found that electric vehicle sales in the European Union reached an unprecedented level in 2026, with 1.64 million vehicles sold between January and August, up 45% from the same period last year.
Electric vehicles accounted for 22% of the market during the period, an increase of six percentage points from a year earlier, according to the study.
Transport & Environment described 2026 as a “pivotal year for electric car availability,” noting that the number of models on the market had increased by 50% in a year as automakers expanded their lineups to meet EU emissions-reduction targets.
The study comes as automakers including Volkswagen introduce more affordable electric vehicles, such as the fully electric Polo, helping the German automaker close its compliance gap and avoid potential fines.
European automakers accounted for around 60% of the available electric vehicle models, adding 16 models during the first half of 2026. Chinese automakers accounted for 21% and added 11 models, the study said.
The study also highlighted the impact of higher fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East on drivers of internal-combustion vehicles.
Diesel recorded the sharpest increase, rising 38% since the start of the Iran war. A 50-liter tank now costs about 30 euros ($34) more than before, the study said.
