EU Auto Market: One in Five Cars Is Electric. Growth Figures and What This Means for the Charging Network

In the first half of 2026, 100% electric cars accounted for more than 20% of the market in the European Union: this means that one in five drivers today looks for a charging station instead of a gas pump. By cross-referencing continental registration data with actual usage of Italy’s charging infrastructure, Powy ’s analysis highlights an immediate challenge: the focus is no longer on the total number of charging stations installed, but on charging speed and payment accessibility—as mandated by the new European AFIR regulations.

1. The European Market: The Rise of BEVs and the Decline of Internal Combustion Engines

Data published by ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) for the first half of 2026 show how the energy transition is reshaping consumer choices:

• New registrations of gasoline-powered cars fell by 17.2%, dropping to a market share of 22.2%.
• Diesel sales declined further, stabilizing at 7.5% of the market share.
• Together, 100% electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) account for more than 30% of the total European market.

2. Data Comparison: European Union vs. Italy (H1 2026 Results)

Data source: Powy analysis based on ACEA data and Motus-E quarterly monitoring.

Italy shows that the penetration of BEV registrations remains relatively low compared to the European average, but its infrastructure is expanding at one of the fastest rates in the entire European Union. This results in a favorable ratio of vehicles on the road to operational charging stations in terms of average charging availability.

3. The Evolution of Italy’s Infrastructure: +202% in Four Years

According to Motus-E’s quarterly report, by the end of June 2026, Italy’s public charging infrastructure had reached 84,564 charging points, with more than 17,000 new connections activated over the course of twelve months:

• As of March 2022, there were approximately 28,000 active charging stations in Italy.
• The increase to over 84,500 parking spaces represents a growth of approximately +202% in just over four years

• Growth in direct current (DC): According to Motus-E, 53% of the charging stations installed in the last twelve months are fast or ultra-fast.

4. The standards established by the European AFIR Regulation

Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 (AFIR—Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) sets out specific regulatory requirements for Member States:

• TEN-T Core Network Coverage: Along the main corridors of the TEN-T network, the gradual installation of dedicated passenger vehicle charging stations every 60 km is required, with a total aggregate power capacity of at least 400 kW (including at least one 150-kW charging point).
• Direct (“ad hoc”) payments: AFIR regulates electronic payments for occasional charging. Effective January 1, 2027, publicly accessible charging points with a power rating of 50 kW or higher located along the TEN-T network or in the secure and protected parking areas specified in the regulation must allow payment via card reader or contactless device, in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Powy aligns the development of its network with these European guidelines, providing for the integration of direct payment systems with contactless POS terminals and interoperability (roaming) at the main high-power stations located throughout the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many electric cars are on the road today in Italy and Europe?

In Europe, battery-electric vehicle registrations in the first half of 2026 exceeded 1.2 million units, accounting for 20.7% of the total. In Italy, the share of registrations stands at around 8.4%, with the overall presence of zero-emission models steadily increasing.

How does the Italian charging network compare to the rest of Europe?

With 84,564 public charging stations recorded as of mid-2026, Italy ranks among the leading European countries in terms of the size of its charging infrastructure, showing an overall increase of more than 200% compared to the 2022 figures.

What does AFIR stipulate regarding payments at fast-charging and HPC stations?

The AFIR regulation stipulates that, at publicly accessible charging stations with a power rating of 50 kW or more, users may pay for their charging session using a credit card, debit card, or contactless devices (such as smartphones or smartwatches), with the rate per kWh clearly displayed before charging begins.

Disclaimer: The data and statistics presented in this article, updated as of September 2026, are based on the main official sources available at the time of writing. The data on vehicle registrations and automotive market shares in the European Union are based on ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) figures for the first half of 2026. For the development of the public charging network in Italy, industry monitoring data for the second quarter of 2026 were used. The regulatory framework is based on Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 (AFIR – Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation). Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, any updates to sources, statistical revisions, or regulatory changes could result in variations from the data and information presented in this article.

About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin in 2018, Powy is at the forefront of the transition toward more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses 100% renewable energy—whose origin is certified by Guarantees of Origin (GO)—on its proprietary network, Powy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Press Office: press@powy.energy