Cheaper EVs fuel Europe's electric boom as 2035 rules face revision

EU battery-electric sales hit 1.64 million in the first eight months of 2026, up 45%, with 16 models under EUR 25,000 due by year-end. Transport and Environment warns the Parliament rapporteur's version of the 2035 target would cut sales of those cheap models by nearly three quarters by 2030.

• EU battery-electric sales reached 1.64 million in eight months of 2026, up 45%
• 16 models under EUR 25,000 will be on sale in the EU by end of 2026
• Salini's version projects 22% BEV share in 2030 versus 47% under the Commission's
• European brands supply nearly 60% of models on sale, Chinese brands 21%