Electric Car Sales in Europe Jump 45% Over Eight Months

A study has shown that the adoption of electric vehicles in Europe is gaining momentum, with record sales since the beginning of the year driven by the launch of a range of low-cost models in the market, helping automakers comply with targets set by the European Union.

The study, focused on electric vehicle progress and released today, Monday, by Brussels-based environmental advocacy group Transport & Environment, concluded that electric car sales in the EU reached an unprecedented high in 2026, with 1.64 million units sold between January and August, a 45 percent year-on-year increase.

According to the study, electric vehicles accounted for 22 percent of the market during this period, an increase of six percentage points compared to the same period last year.

Transport & Environment described 2026 as a “pivotal year for electric vehicle availability,” noting that the number of available models rose by 50 percent within a single year, as automakers expanded their lineups to meet EU emission reduction targets.

This study comes as automakers such as Volkswagen are launching several affordable electric vehicles, including the fully electric Polo model, helping the German carmaker bridge its current compliance gap and avoid fines.

European automakers dominated the supply of electric vehicles, accounting for about 60 percent of available models, adding 16 new models in the first half of 2026. Chinese automakers held 21 percent of the market, adding 11 models.

The study also highlighted the impact of rising fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East on drivers of internal combustion engine vehicles. It noted that diesel prices saw the largest increase, rising 38 percent since the start of the Iran war, making a 50-liter tank now cost an additional 30 euros ($34).