Europe’s EV revolution hits the mainstream

From niche to necessity, EVs are reshaping the automotive landscape as technology, policy, and consumer choice converge, writes Paul Bennett, Managing Partner at Madox Square.

Once the domain of early adopters, electric vehicles are now entering Europe’s mainstream market. Advances in battery technology, expanding charging infrastructure, and supportive policies are driving adoption, while new entrants and diverse model options challenge legacy automakers to keep pace.

The electric vehicle (EV) landscape in Europe including the UK continues to undergo a significant transformation. What was once a niche market, catering primarily to early adopters and environmental enthusiasts, is quickly evolving into a mainstream automotive sector. This shift is driven by a confluence of technological advancements, policy initiatives, and changing consumer preferences.

At the core of this transition is the development of a robust EV ecosystem. Improvements in battery technology have been crucial, with energy densities increasing and costs decreasing at a remarkable rate. Contemporary EVs now offer ranges that are competitive with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, addressing one of the primary concerns of potential adopters.

Number of electric light-duty vehicles per public charging point and kilowatt per electric light-duty vehicle, 2024

Source: International Energy Agency. Notes: IEA analysis based on BNEF, EV Volumes, European Alternative Fuels Observatory and Eco Movement, US Alternative Fuels Data Center. Published in Global EV Outlook 2025

Concurrently, the charging infrastructure across Europe has seen substantial expansion with the number of public charging points in Europe increasing by more than 35% in 2024 compared to 2023, to reach just over 1 million, according to the International Energy Agency.

This has resulted in a proliferation of charging stations in urban centres, along motorways, and increasingly in rural areas. This growing network is critical in alleviating what was referred to as “range anxiety” but still has some way to go before we can eliminate the new fear of “charging anxiety,” and making EVs a viable option for a broader consumer base.

Vehicle manufacturers, being led by new entrants have responded to this changing landscape with an array of new EV models. The diversity in choice has expanded significantly and covers all models and styles from compact city cars to an ever growing range of SUVs with prices to suit a much broader range of buyers. This variety is essential in catering to different market segments and consumer preferences, further driving mainstream adoption.

However, many challenges remain in scaling the EV ecosystem for mass adoption. Affordability is now being seen as less of an issue than it has been in recent years and the total cost of ownership for EVs is becoming increasingly competitive. Whilst early days, the recent introduction of UK government subsidies of between £1,500 – £3,750 to consumers who opt for a new EV are helping to positively stimulate the retail market. By comparison, the UK salary sacrifice scheme for business users which provides end users with significant tax breaks continues to drive the market with circa 75% of new  EV registrations in the UK being attributed to salary sacrifice programmes.

The integration of EVs into the broader energy system presents both challenges and opportunities. As EV adoption increases, power grids must be adapted to handle the additional load. Smart charging solutions and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies are being developed to manage this integration effectively. These innovations could potentially transform EVs into valuable assets for grid stabilisation and renewable energy storage.

Policy frameworks play a crucial role in this transition. The EU has implemented an ambitious target date for phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles of 2035 and the UK an even more ambitious date of 2030 for petrol and diesel powered cars and 2035 for LCVs.  The EU is coming under increasing pressure from Mercedes Benz and other OEMs to reconsider the deadline. Increasingly individual European countries have introduced and continue to introduce various incentives to promote EV adoption. These range from purchase subsidies and tax breaks to non-monetary incentives such as access to low-emission zones and preferential parking.

The shift towards EVs has also catalysed significant changes in the automotive industry and related sectors. Legacy automakers have realigned their strategies and invested very heavily in electrification and are yet to reap the benefits as they continue to come under increasing pressure from new players entering the market from China with well made, well specified electric vehicles that are very attractively priced. These manufacturers are fast making their presence known and have captured meaningful market share in the UK.

Rapid Growth

The SMMT reported that Chinese-owned brands achieved a 9.4% share of the UK’s new car market in May 2025 a steep upward trajectory, rising from 7.7% in April 2025 and 5% in 2024. 

Supply chain considerations are becoming increasingly important as the EV market expands. Securing a stable and ethical supply of critical materials for battery production, such as lithium, cobalt, graphite and other elements, is a growing concern. Notwithstanding the fact that China dominate not only battery manufacture and battery tech, but equally the mining and processing of the raw materials.

As EVs transition from a niche market to mainstream adoption, the implications extend beyond the automotive sector. Urban planners are rethinking city layouts to accommodate more charging points and to promote integrated, sustainable mobility solutions. The shift is also influencing consumer behaviour and societal attitudes towards transportation and energy use.

EU/EV market share

In the first seven months of 2025,1,011,903 new battery-electric cars were registered, capturing 15.6% of the EU market share. Three of the four largest markets in the EU, accounting for over 60% of battery-electric car registrations saw gains: Germany (+38.4%), Belgium (+17.6%), and the Netherlands (+6.5%). This contrasted with France, which saw a decline of 4.3%, despite a positive 14.8% YOY gain in July 2025, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)

UK/EV market share

In the first seven months of 2025 a total of 1.18m vehicles ICE, EV, PHEV and MHEV were registered. Out of which 21.5% were EV and 10.5% were PHEV, according to the ACEA.

In conclusion, the EV ecosystem in Europe is at a critical juncture. The foundations for mass adoption are being laid through technological advancements, infrastructure development, and supportive policies. However, continued efforts are needed to address remaining challenges, particularly in terms of affordability, grid integration, and supply chain sustainability.

As these issues are tackled, the vision of a predominantly electric vehicle fleet in Europe moves closer to reality, with far-reaching implications for the environment, economy, and society at large.

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Paul Bennett’s expertise keeps Madox Square LLP on course in the ever-shifting automotive landscape. Offering a blend of strategy, collaboration, and a sharp eye for emerging trends, he’s looking to ensure his clients are well-positioned for the future. And if his rowing machine times are anything to go by, he’ll likely cross the finish line ahead of the competition — Rich Tea biscuits in hand.