EU is three years behind China in EV sales — clear path to close the gap by 2030

The EU is three years behind China in electric vehicle sales, but 2025 targets and the battery industry could close the gap by 2030, says study.

A report by T&E (Transport & Environment) points out that the European Union is three years behind China in electric vehicle sales, in a global race against time to lead future cleantechs.

How did we arrive at this gap?

The study recalls that, in 2020, Europe and China were almost tied in EV share. The distance widened after 2022, when weaker automotive CO2 standards in the bloc helped China maintain momentum. Today, with more ambitious targets for 2025 and with 70% of EVs sold in the EU also manufactured in the EU, the gap is calculated at three years, according to the analysis.

What can close the distance by 2030

The authors advocate for maintaining consistent policies and funding to boost the European battery industry and advance the Green Deal targets. With this, not only can air quality improve — as shown by examples from countries with high EV penetration — but also the reduction in dependence on imported oil, since eight million European electric cars in 2025 cut about 46 million barrels of oil.

Geopolitical context and the role of policies

Amid supply uncertainties and high prices, accelerating the electric transition becomes strategic. One T&E representative emphasizes that EVs are a lever to reduce oil dependence, and that delaying regulation is not the solution; it is necessary to accelerate to keep Europe in the race for leadership in electric vehicles.

Tariffs and strategies for China

The dispute in the cleantech sector led to tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese EVs in 2024, following an investigation that pointed to unfair subsidies. In January 2026, an evolution towards a minimum pricing strategy for large Chinese manufacturers began.

Conclusion: the trajectory still allows Europe to regain ground by 2030 with stable policies and investments in the battery value chain.

Comment below: do you believe that reinforcing CO2 standards can accelerate European leadership in EVs, or are there other factors that could change this scenario?