The current carbon dioxide emission standards for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (vans) in the European Union (EU) have been in place since 2023. Key measures include a 55% fleet-wide CO2 reduction target for new passenger cars by 2030 and a 100% reduction target by 2035. In May 2025, the standards were amended, and an averaging provision was added for the 2025–2027 period, meaning manufacturers can comply with targets by averaging their performance over the three years. The regulation is scheduled to be reviewed in 2026. In preparation, the European Commission will submit a Progress Report to the European Parliament and Council in December 2025, and every two years thereafter. 

This report “EV Transition Check: Measuring progress towards zero-emission for passenger cars in the European Union” by The International Council on Clean Transportation distills key facts about the light-duty vehicle market in the European Union relevant to the upcoming Progress Report. Focusing on passenger cars, which represent 90% of light-duty vehicles in the European Union, this report draws upon a range of data and analysis to assess topics ranging from electric vehicle (EV) uptake to battery production and related supply chains.

Some of the key highlights:

-Automakers are on track to meet the EU CO2 performance targets for new vehicles, relying mostly on electric cars as a compliance option. 

-Among the major markets, EV uptake has been strong in Germany and France and has recently increased in Italy and Spain. Several smaller markets show particularly high EV market shares.

-With over 1 million public chargers, the European Union is equipped to support EVs currently on the road. Smart meter roll-out and time-varying tariff offers are increasing. 

-Building up battery production and supply chains in Europe will require concerted efforts by governments and industry as well as market confidence. 

-Further delays in the EV transition would risk losing battery and vehicle production market shares to global competitors.

Access the report here