The question seems somewhat ill-timed at a time when sales of petrol and diesel cars are falling sharply and fuel prices are at an all-time high: are electric models really the future of mobility, and will they remain so in the long term? The answer is more nuanced than the evidence might suggest
Growing popularity
It’s anyone’s guess. I recently took part, as a speaker, in an event focusing on the state of the electric car and its growing popularity. One of the questions from the audience concerned the next five years and the role of each type of powertrain. My answer: each will have its place.
We have been hearing about the transition to electric vehicles for the past ten years or so. The Dieselgate scandal in 2015 only served to accelerate the need to drive ‘clean’ cars. Regulatory measures were introduced, and the energy transition quickly became a hot topic in the automotive industry.
Whilst cars with internal combustion engines seemed less committed to reducing emissions, many people turned to electric cars. The reality today is very different. Fortunately, they won’t be the only ones.
However, only one in three cars worldwide is electric
In May 2026, there were around 1,800 different car models available worldwide. Fully electric models accounted for a third of these. In short, of all the new cars available today, a third are fitted with a 100% electric powertrain. This is a definite advantage in terms of choice: consumers now have more options.
Most of these cars arrived following years of product planning that focused attention and resources on the transition.
Until 2024, it was virtually essential for car manufacturers to allocate more funding to the development of electric cars than to any other project. As China demonstrated, the transition was possible because consumers wanted these cars.
A transition that has run out of steam
But this rapid transition has lost momentum, and it soon became clear that it was taking longer than expected. That is why I believe the future of the electric car in Europe is closely linked to that of other technologies. The industry has realised that it cannot rely on a single powertrain to ensure its long-term viability.
Hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), mild hybrid (MHEV), petrol, fully electric (EV), extended-range electric (EREV) and even hydrogen-powered cars are set to become an integral part of the automotive landscape over the next five years. The automotive industry recognises that it is too risky to rely on a single technology.
An ecosystem in need of strengthening
That is why, even though electric cars are expected to become more affordable (cheaper
(expensive) in the coming years, it will not be the only option available to European consumers. The ecosystem surrounding battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will need more time to develop fully, whilst European car manufacturers will need more time to bring truly affordable electric cars to market.
The future looks bright for electric cars in Europe. But contrary to what was thought a few years ago, they will not be the only option, and other technologies will continue to play their part. This is good news for consumers.
