EU sees surge in new EV sales: comment

Responding to the latest data from the ACEA showing that EV sales in the EU have increased by 40.5% in the first half of 2026 [1] Colin Walker, Head of Transport at the Climate & Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said: “Like the UK, the EU is experiencing a surge in EV sales as more and more drivers seek to end their vulnerability to volatile oil prices which have pushed up prices at the pump. There is a risk the UK ends up in the slow lane as countries like Germany and France see their EV sales grow around twice as fast as the UK.

"Accounting for over half the vehicles we export, the EU is by far the most important market for the UK car industry and if it fails to quickly make the shift to EVs, there’s a real danger of falling behind and the job losses that could ensue. Parts of the car UK industry that have been slow to make the transition are lobbying to weaken sales targets but this misses the point that the car industry is very much international and only a small number of cars made in the UK are for the UK market. Any weakening of targets would likely incentivise the industry to try to sell more hybrids which cost more to buy than petrol cars and just about as much to run, not living up to the mileage they claim”. 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. ACEA: https://www.acea.auto/pc-registrations/new-car-registrations-5-7-in-h1-2026-battery-electric-20-7-market-share/ 

For more information or for interview requests:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net