Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on September 9, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Europe's BEV sales are projected to exceed half of new vehicle sales by 2032, driven by policy targets and affordable models, despite competition and trade tensions.
(Reuters) -Battery electric vehicles are expected to exceed half of new light vehicle sales in Europe by 2032 and overtake sales of hybrids after 2030, according to an EY report published on Tuesday.
While European brands have been slower to produce affordable electric models, EY's study forecasts that BEVs will account for nearly all new car sales in Europe by 2050.
"Policy targets, a rebound in demand and affordable models are expected to drive EV uptake," the report says, despite flagging softened emission penalties through 2027.
This week European automakers are showcasing new EVs amidst tough competition from Chinese brands at this year's IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany.
Europe's automotive sector is currently facing a range of challenges including Chinese competition at home and tariff hikes from the U.S.
In the U.S. meanwhile, EV sales are expected to surge before the expiry of tax credits and then experience a prolonged slowdown, the report says.
Globally, looking at Europe, the U.S. and China, EY expects light vehicle sales to see moderate growth in 2025, slowing to 2.2% year on year from 8% sales growth in 2023, down to under 2% annually by 2030.
It cites escalating trade tensions, rare earth shortages and the phase-out of U.S. EV credits which are expected to disrupt supply chains and affect affordability.
(Reporting by Marleen Kaesebier in Gdansk; Editing by Matt Scuffham)
Battery electric vehicles are expected to exceed half of new light vehicle sales in Europe by 2032.
Policy targets, a rebound in demand, and affordable models are expected to drive EV uptake, despite softened emission penalties through 2027.
European automakers are showcasing new EVs amidst tough competition from Chinese brands at this year's IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany.
In the U.S., EV sales are expected to surge before the expiry of tax credits and then experience a prolonged slowdown.
The automotive sector is facing challenges including escalating trade tensions, rare earth shortages, and the phase-out of U.S. EV credits, which are expected to disrupt supply chains.
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