European EV sales hit record in 'pivotal' year for affordable cars, study shows

BERLIN, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Europe's uptake of electric vehicles is gaining momentum, with record sales so far this year driven by a slew of affordable models coming onto the market to bring carmakers in line with EU targets, according to a study.

• EV sales across the EU reached record volumes in 2026, with 1.64 million sold in the January-to-August period, up 45% year-on-year, Brussels-based environmental advocacy group Transport & Environment found in its EV progress report published on Monday.

• EVs made up 22% of the market during this period, six points higher than the same period last year, according to the report.

• T&E called 2026 "a pivotal year for EV availability", with model choice up 50% in a single year as carmakers expand their line-ups to meet EU emissions targets.

• The report comes as carmakers like Volkswagen roll out a number of affordable EVs, such as the all-electric Polo, helping the German auto group to close its existing compliance gap and avoid fines.

• European carmakers dominated the EV offering with nearly 60% of available models, adding 16 in the first half of 2026. Chinese carmakers held 21% and added 11 models.

• The study also noted the impact of rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict on drivers of combustion-engine cars. Diesel has risen the most, up 38% since the Iran war began, with a 50-litre tank now costing €30 ($34) more, it said.

($1 = €0.8890)

(Reporting by Rachel More, editing by Thomas Seythal)