Are 100% electric vehicles set to conquer European dealerships for good in 2026? After a year 2025 marked by record registrations in several countries, such as the Netherlands with over 40% market share for BEVs in October, manufacturers are stepping up their electrification strategy. Next year will see the arrival of at least forty new flagship models, covering all segments. This wave comes at a time when ultra-fast charging points (400 kW) are becoming more widely available in Europe, and when French public subsidies are stable, supporting mass adoption.
Electric city cars: democratisation at a shock price for the city
The number of electric cars in our towns and cities is likely to explode next year as more and more affordable models become available:
• In France, Renault is launching the iconic Twingo E-Tech in spring 2026. It will be able to cover a total of 300 km according to WLTP tests, and will be equipped with a 113 bhp engine for a price of €19,990.
• Even more affordable, Dacia is fighting back with its new-generation Spring (225 km range for €16,900), with enhanced battery and connectivity.
• From next year, Citroën will position the ë-C3 as a potential best-seller, with a range of 320 km at a price of €19,900, 113 bhp under the bonnet and a 100 kW recharge.
• The Renault 5 E-Tech follows logically (410 km, €24,990), taking on the retro charisma of the iconic 5.
• Volkswagen, too, is aiming to make its mark in the rankings of the biggest sellers. And with the ID.2 (estimated 600 km, ~€28,000), the European manufacturer has every chance of being successful.
• 2026 will also see the return of Peugeot, which this year presented its electric e-208 GTi, a ‘bombshell’ heir to the 205 GTI with over 200 bhp and a 0-100 km/h time of less than 7 seconds.
SUVs and crossovers: the family offre explodes in volume and range
Electric SUVs are dominating expectations, with ever-greater ranges. In fact, some models can cover as much as 700 km at really attractive prices.
• Skoda opens the ball with the Elroq, which claims 573 km WLTP from just €33,430. This spacious crossover is based on the MEB platform, and is a more affordable sibling of Volkswagen’s ID.4.
• Mini Aceman brings British fun to the compact segment, with an estimated entry price of around €34,000, a range of around 400 km WLTP and an electric motor producing around 180 bhp.
• On the Chinese side, of course, there will be plenty of new models: BYD and its Atto 2 and Sealion 7, among others, but also Zeekr and its premium 7X, are aiming for unbeatable value for money.
• Crossover = adventure, so Suzuki eVitara, co-developed with Toyota, will see the light of day in 2026 and will target urban adventurers with a minimum range of 450 km.
• At the top end of the range, Germany’s Mercedes will be deploying a veritable armada with the electric GLC EQ and GLA, expected from early 2026. They will boast a range of over 550 km, between 200 and 300 bhp depending on the version, and an ultra-fast 400 kW recharging capacity.
• Hyundai Ioniq 9 (7 seats, 600+ km) and Mitsubishi compact SUV (on Nissan platform) complete the Japanese offer.
• Next year’s absolute star? Perhaps it’s the 100% electric Range Rover: over 700 km WLTP, up to 1,000 bhp and still luxurious materials and comfort. Pricing will be in the region of €150,000.
• But watch out, Porsche is responding with the electric Cayenne, which can also be equipped with an electric motor producing more than 1,000 bhp and achieving a 0-100mph time of 3s according to tests carried out by the German manufacturer. True to the brand’s philosophy, it will combine luxury and sportiness.
These electric behemoths meet the needs of French families, where SUVs account for 50% of new car registrations.
Hatchbacks and station wagons: premium electrics for long journeys
Electric saloons are making their mark for professionals and long-distance drivers looking for comfort and efficiency at every level.
• The electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake is aiming for a range record of almost 791 km WLTP, supported by an ultra-aerodynamic design (Cx less than 0.23) and the integration of new-generation Hyperscreen technology, offering a panoramic and customisable digital experience, according to the manufacturer.
• Still in Germany, BMW and its new-generation iX3 promise up to 800 km of range thanks to the latest-generation batteries, more than 300 bhp and ultra-fast 400 kW recharging.
• Next year, Audi will launch the A6 e-tron, based on the PPE platform. It will offer a range of around 700 km, combined with an engine that can exceed 400 bhp and a top-of-the-range cabin featuring the XXL Virtual Cockpit, designed for long journeys and premium comfort.
• The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is a premium compact aimed at the top end of the range, with a more accessible price tag, a range of around 500 km, a 200 bhp engine and refined interior architecture inspired by Hyundai’s ‘Living Space’ concepts.
• The Volvo ES90, a large, refined Swedish saloon, is aimed at the premium family, with a range approaching 600 km, power of up to 350 bhp depending on the version and a minimalist Scandinavian interior combining natural materials and on-board Google technologies.
• The Kia EV4 completes the Korean range with a range of around 625 km, an angular design inspired by the EV4 concept, powertrains ranging from 170 to 230 bhp, and an aggressive price positioning to compete with European electric saloons.
These models, with their solid batteries and OTA software, are turning motorways into conquered territory, just as France is rolling out its network of ultra-fast charging points.
Sports cars and hypercars: electric excitement without compromise
Electricity is making its presence felt among enthusiasts. Like every year, the leading manufacturers are making a splash with their eagerly-awaited releases.
• One of the great things to look forward to in 2026 in the automotive world is the arrival of the first hypercar from one of, if not the most iconic manufacturers in automotive history. Ferrari has announced that 2026 will see the launch of its first 100% electric supercar, the Elletrica. The performance? More than 1,000 bhp, 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2 seconds. It will feature F1-inspired active aerodynamics and an innovative thermal management system. Of course, its design is faithful to the Ferrari idiom, and its price is expected to be well over €500,000.
• For its part, Alpine is relaunching the electric A110, which is light (1,200 kg), agile and purely French. With an engine delivering around 300 bhp, a 0 to 100 km/h time of less than 4 seconds, a range of around 400 km WLTP and an ultra-agile chassis.
Market context: why 2026 changes everything
This offensive comes at an ideal time. In France, BEVs are approaching 25% of the monthly market, supported by subsidies (€4,000-7,000 bonus) and a network of 100,000 public charging points. The Netherlands is leading the way with 40% BEV, thanks to a dense network and stable incentives – a model for Europe. Faced with competition from China (BYD, MG, Zeekr), Europeans are reacting with aggressive pricing and sovereign technology (French gigafactories). The result: electric vehicles will increase from 20% to 35% of sales by 2026, boosted by the gradual end of pure combustion engines in 2035.
These new products are not just a catalogue: they embody accessible, high-performance and integrated sustainable mobility. For professionals and private customers alike, 2026 marks the end of excuses, with a plethora of choices aligned with climate and economic challenges. ECO MOTORS NEWS will be following these launches closely, with test drives to back them up.
