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Car electrification is taking off in Europe, with consumer interest rising as electric vehicles (EVs) become more accessible. But the supply of small, affordable EVs still lags behind demand, especially on the second-hand market, where most cars are sold. Weakening targets and promoting “alternative” technologies thus confuse consumers and deter investments. It slows the flow of EVs into markets, pushing back clean and affordable mobility for all.
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Buying a car is a major decision for consumers. Beyond the initial investment, they expect reliable information about the fuel or electricity consumption, the range, the battery state of health, the overall condition or the environmental performance of a car. This is particularly true on the second-hand market, where most consumers buy their vehicle and look for accurate, credible and comparable data. A well-designed car label can therefore help consumers navigate the market and choose a car that fits their needs.
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The European Commission today published its Automotive Package which will revise the car CO2 emissions target along with setting new electrification goals for large corporate fleets and incentivising the production of small electric cars in Europe.
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Following a complaint by BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation, 21 major airlines have committed to stop using claims that mislead consumers about the real impact of flying on the environment. This was announced by the European Commission today, concluding a 1.5-year investigation by national consumer authorities.
BEUC launched the action in June 2023 with 23 of its member organisations and kept monitoring the market since then. An evaluation two years on, in June 2025, showed that airlines’ greenwashing was still rife despite some improvements
BEUC launched the action in June 2023 with 23 of its member organisations and kept monitoring the market since then. An evaluation two years on, in June 2025, showed that airlines’ greenwashing was still rife despite some improvements
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People have been locked into an energy and transport system fundamentally based on (imported) fossil fuels. This has a negative impact on the planet, our health, wallets, and geopolitical security. Change is afoot to decarbonise our economy, influenced by clear EU policies in energy, product design, and the automotive sector. BEUC research has consistently shown that electrification in many consumer areas – cars, cooling, heating – is the most affordable option.
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BEUC’s latest total cost of ownership study reveals that electric cars are at a turning point in Europe, with the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of battery electric vehicle (BEVs) becoming competitive with conventional vehicles for first owners as early as 2026.
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New medium-sized electric vehicles will be cheaper overall to run1 than their petrol equivalents from 2026 according to a new BEUC study released today. Small vehicles will follow as of 2027.
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To make a well-informed choice when buying a car (new or second-hand), consumers need clear and accurate information about a car’s real-world fuel or electricity consumption, its overall environmental impact or incentives available in their country. With many new models and powertrains available along with evolving purchase habits, current EU rules adopted in 1999 and are now completely outdated.
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This study explores the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric, petrol, diesel, and hybrid passenger cars, building on previous ERM analysis performed in 2021. This study quantifies the cost to the consumer of electric and petrol cars, for first- to third-hand buyers. This study considers the average cost of ownership of a vehicle in the EU, accounting for vehicle leasing costs and fuel/electricity prices, whilst excluding maintenance, insurance, and country-specific taxes and subsidies. The results of this study show that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are already the lowest cost option for used vehicle buyers and will be the most economical for new buyers of medium cars from 2026 onwards.
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Many consumers do not buy new cars. Due to skyrocketing new car prices over the last few years, they now heavily rely on the second- and third-hand market. Second-hand battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are the best financial choice for consumers, brining between €262 and €849/year savings compared to a used
petrol car. But the supply of second-hand BEVs is still low. Hence, electrifying large corporate fleets (representing 60% of new car sales in Europe and with a first ownership period of around four years) can be a game changer to make the BEV transition faster and fairer for consumers.
petrol car. But the supply of second-hand BEVs is still low. Hence, electrifying large corporate fleets (representing 60% of new car sales in Europe and with a first ownership period of around four years) can be a game changer to make the BEV transition faster and fairer for consumers.