15:01 26-03-2026

Europe catching up to China in electric vehicle sales

Europe has reduced the EV sales gap with China to three years, with projections to catch up by 2030. Learn how stricter regulations and growing adoption are driving this shift.

Europe has narrowed the gap with China in electric vehicle sales to just three years, according to a study by Transport & Environment (T&E).

In 2020, the EU and China had comparable shares of EV sales, but from 2022 onward, China accelerated its growth due to less stringent regulations in Europe. This trend began shifting after stricter CO2 emission standards were introduced for 2025.

Analysts estimate that if current rates continue, Europe could catch up to China by 2030. By 2025 alone, around 8 million electric vehicles are projected to save 46 million barrels of oil. Despite this, oil imports worth approximately 300 billion euros are still expected in 2026.

Experts highlight that EVs are becoming a key factor in reducing energy dependency. However, adoption rates vary: emissions are declining in Denmark and the Netherlands, while in countries with low EV uptake, such as Spain, they continue to rise.

China maintains its lead, accounting for about 60% of global EV sales, with battery production volumes far surpassing Europe's. Meanwhile, the EU is developing its own battery industry with support from international investors.

Against this backdrop, electric vehicles are seen as a crucial segment that can accelerate the shift to sustainable transport and cut reliance on oil.