EU car emissions decline as electric vehicle share rises

Data released by the European Environment Agency show that 10.8 million new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were registered in the European Union, Norway and Iceland in 2025, almost the same number as in 2024. The average CO₂ emissions of new passenger cars fell to 96.7 g km⁻¹, a drop of 10 g km⁻¹ from the previous year, driven largely by a higher share of electric vehicles, which accounted for 18.9 % of registrations – an increase of 4.5 percentage points. Norway recorded a 96 % EV share, Denmark 69 % and Iceland 43 %. Light commercial vehicles also saw emissions fall to 172.1 g km⁻¹, with fully electric vans making up 10.3 % of new registrations.

At the same time, the European Council is reviewing a proposal from the European Commission to amend CO₂‑emission standards for cars and vans. The draft lowers the 2035 emission‑reduction target from 100 % to 90 % and introduces flexibility mechanisms for 2030 targets, including a reduction of the van target from 50 % to 40 %. The plan also proposes compensation measures using low‑carbon steel, e‑fuels and bifuels, and incentives for small, affordable electric models. If adopted, the revised rules would keep room for plug‑in hybrids and other low‑emission technologies beyond 2035.