More than 500,000 electric cars were registered in the EU in the first quarter of 2026.

Omissions

• The MEP used the generic term 'electric cars', which could encompass both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The industry figure of 546,937 refers specifically to battery-electric cars only. If PHEVs were included, the total would be even higher (around 814,000), making the 'more than 500,000' claim conservative.
• The ACEA press release containing this data was published on 23 April 2026, well before the session date of 17 June 2026, so the MEP could reasonably have cited it.

Sources

• PrimaryACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers' Association)In the first quarter of 2026, 546,937 new battery-electric cars were registered, capturing 19.4% of the EU market share.
• PrimaryACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers' Association) – PDF Press ReleaseIn the first quarter of 2026, 546,937 new battery-electric cars were registered, capturing 19.4% of the EU market share.
• Secondaryelectrive.comIn the first quarter of 2026, 546,937 new battery-electric passenger cars were registered in the EU—a 32.5 per cent increase.