European EV sales surge despite China concerns

July 09, 2026 (MLN): Electric vehicle (EV) sales across Europe continue to strengthen even as some European policymakers maintain concerns over competition from Chinese manufacturers and advocate protective trade measures.

According to EUobserver.com, European Commissioner for Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné said on Tuesday that the European Union's automotive industry remains under "mortal danger" from what he described as China's excess EV production.

However, recent sales figures indicate sustained growth in consumer demand for electric vehicles across the region.

French automotive data agency AAA Data reported that EVs accounted for 30% of new car sales in France in June, marking a 94% year-on-year increase, according to APP.

Across the European Union, the share of fully electric vehicles also continued to rise. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) said that more than one in five new cars registered in the EU in April 2026 were fully electric.

In May, the European EV market reached a new milestone, with nearly one in four vehicles sold being fully electric, according to fi-magazine.com.

Data compiled by E-Mobility Europe showed that 212,387 electric vehicles were registered during the month, representing a 34% increase compared with the same period last year.

The report noted that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and elevated global oil prices have further strengthened the appeal of electric vehicles by increasing the attractiveness of lower running costs.

It also highlighted differing perspectives between policymakers advocating tariffs and consumers seeking competitively priced electric vehicles, arguing that higher trade barriers could increase EV prices, reduce consumer choice and slow progress toward the EU's carbon neutrality targets.

The report said long-term industrial development would be better supported through greater openness and cross-border cooperation, noting that China's strengths in lithium battery production, vehicle manufacturing and EV technology complement the EU's expertise in high-end automotive components, vehicle design and established market networks.

As an example of industrial collaboration, it cited Reuters' report that Stellantis and China's Dongfeng announced in May plans to establish a joint venture in Europe, including potential vehicle production in France.

The report concluded that growing EV sales reflect increasing consumer demand for electric mobility and affordable new energy vehicles, while emphasizing that the future development of the automotive industry depends on openness, collaboration and innovation rather than protectionist trade measures.

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