Are Electric Cars Popular in Europe in 2025, and What Awaits the Market by the End of Summer?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche product. As of June 2025, they are a key part of Europe’s automotive industry, undergoing transformation due to economic, technological, and political influences. This article explores the current state of the market, consumer behavior, policy frameworks, and expectations for the summer.
Sales and Market Share: Strong but Slowing Growth
EVs account for about 23% of new car registrations in the EU in early 2025, slightly down from the 25% peak in late 2024. Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway remain leaders with shares above 30%.
The slowdown is attributed to:
- Reduced subsidies (e.g., Germany ended cash bonuses in January 2025)
- Rising electricity prices
- Underdeveloped charging networks in smaller towns
Policies and Regulations: A Clear Direction
The EU remains committed to banning new internal combustion engine car sales by 2035. By 2027, automakers must drastically cut average CO₂ emissions. Local policies reinforce this:
- Low-emission zones expanded in German and French cities
- Italy imposed new charges on diesel vehicles in historical centers
- Bulgaria adopted its 2025–2035 EV strategy
Consumer Sentiment: Growing Yet Cautious
An EY survey (May 2025) shows 54% of buyers would consider an EV—up 6% from 2024. Interest is highest among young families and businesses.
Drivers include:
- Lower operating costs
- Tax incentives
- City access privileges
Challenges persist in Central and Eastern Europe due to low income, weak infrastructure, and limited access to used EVs.
Technology and Competition
Chinese brands (BYD, NIO, XPeng) offer low-cost models. The EU considers tariffs to limit their rise. New trends:
- Solid-state batteries
- Faster charging (80% in 10–15 minutes)
- Integration with home solar systems
Market Forecast to Late Summer
- Market share to remain between 22–24%
- Seasonal boost in July–August expected
- Price competition likely among budget EVs
- Rising demand for used EVs in southern/eastern Europe
Conclusion
EVs are mainstream in Western and Northern Europe. Though market growth is challenged, the direction is clear: electrification continues. The coming months will test how quickly and under what conditions this transition will deepen.
Disclaimer:
This article is an analytical review by the BurgasMedia editorial board and reflects the opinion of an expert group based on current political, economic, and social developments.
The conclusions presented are not predictions or factual statements, but a hypothetical interpretation of possible scenarios.
The publication is not responsible for any discrepancies with future developments and encourages readers to form independent judgments based on verified sources.