BYD Song plus models lined up outside the official dealership of the Chinese electric vehicles automaker BYD, Udine, Italy, June 16, 2022. Photo Credit: Luca Piccini Basile/Getty Images
Environment EuropeElectric vehicle boom boosts clean transport
Electric vehicle sales are rising rapidly across the European Union, strengthening support for cleaner transport and helping keep ambitious emissions targets on track across the bloc.
“The numbers are truly spectacular,” said Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate. “Electric vehicle sales, particularly in the three largest markets, but also second-hand, are truly very impressive.”
Strong demand for electric vehicles has reduced pressure to weaken plans for all new cars sold from 2035 to achieve zero tailpipe CO₂ emissions. Germany recorded a 39% year-on-year increase in EV sales in May, while France and Italy saw rises of 93% and 85% respectively. Although EU governments remain divided over the final policy, the surge in sales highlights growing consumer confidence in electric mobility and supports continued investment in cleaner transport across Europe.
