Summary
While the electric vehicle is often touted as a key technology towards a sustainable future, it has not been a point of emphasis for either European automakers or the European market. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, 420,340 electric and hybrid vehicles were registered in Europe in 2015, approximately 3.0% of total vehicle registrations. However, upcoming emission targets in 2020, Volkswagen’s Dieselgate scandal, and Tesla’s emergence in the segment have forced European automakers to revise their strategies in respect to electric vehicles.
The change in strategy was evident at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, where automakers highlighted a variety of electric vehicles aimed towards increasing public interest in the segment. Both Daimler and Volkswagen unveiled plans to significantly increase the size of their electric vehicle portfolio and the volume of electric vehicles sold over a ten-year period. Automakers also detailed investment and research plans to sustain the development of the electric vehicle segment.
This report summarizes European OEM trends related to the electric vehicle segment, providing contributing factors as well as background information and future strategies of European OEMs to develop electric vehicles.
Distribution of 2015 vehicle registrations by powertrain Source: European Automobile Manufacturers Association | Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ at the 2016 Paris Motor Show Source: Mercedes-Benz |
Summary of key future electric vehicle model launches | |
Related Reports:
Tesla Motors: Accelerating plans for production of 500,000 vehicles to 2018 (Oct. 2016)
Local Reconstruction Note
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Recent drivers contributing toward electric vehicle trends
The source outline identifies this section as part of “European automaker technology trends: Electric Vehicles”. Based on the available local metadata, this section should be read through the lens of Volvo, JLR, Volvo Cars, Electric, Technology Show, EV and the visible introduction, figures, captions, and tables.
German OEMs unveil electric strategy and models at Paris
The source outline identifies this section as part of “European automaker technology trends: Electric Vehicles”. Based on the available local metadata, this section should be read through the lens of Volvo, JLR, Volvo Cars, Electric, Technology Show, EV and the visible introduction, figures, captions, and tables.
Electric vehicle background and strategies of other European OEMs
The source outline identifies this section as part of “European automaker technology trends: Electric Vehicles”. Based on the available local metadata, this section should be read through the lens of Volvo, JLR, Volvo Cars, Electric, Technology Show, EV and the visible introduction, figures, captions, and tables.
European automaker activities in support of EV development
The source outline identifies this section as part of “European automaker technology trends: Electric Vehicles”. Based on the available local metadata, this section should be read through the lens of Volvo, JLR, Volvo Cars, Electric, Technology Show, EV and the visible introduction, figures, captions, and tables.
Related Local Signals
Nearby records in the local archive include Taipei AMPA 2026: Foxconn’s EV Technology; Smart Energy Week 2026: Batteries and Charging; Electrified Vehicle (xEV) Sales Monthly Report (March 2026); Geely i-HEV Intelligent Hybrid Technology Presentation. These titles can be used as adjacent evidence when comparing suppliers, technologies, markets, and reporting periods.