Electric car choice is expanding rapidly thanks to EU clean car targets, but weakening the 2030-35 targets would put affordable models and Europe’s position in the global EV race at risk.
European drivers are gaining access to a rapidly expanding range of more affordable electric cars, protecting drivers from Europe’s costly oil dependence. T&E’s latest EV progress report shows that the EU car CO2 targets are delivering as electric car sales hit record highs in the first half of 2026. Sales of models with a starting price below €25,000 are set to rise sevenfold in 2026 compared to 2024. T&E warns that weakening regulation would halt the ramp-up of small affordable EVs and compromise European carmakers’ ability to compete in the global EV race. (....)