The impact of electricity and fossil fuel prices on electric vehicle new registrations in the European Union

This paper looks at the main factors influencing the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in 25 EU countries from 2013 to 2023. It applies fixed- and random-effects panel models to assess how electricity and fossil fuel prices, income levels, public subsidies, and charging infrastructure affect the registration of new battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars. The study distinguishes between Member States that joined the EU before and after 2004 to account for structural differences. The results underscore the crucial role of charging infrastructure, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, where the network remains underdeveloped. With more mature EV markets in Western Europe, fuel price changes have a stronger impact. Financial incentives continue to be an important tool in less wealthy Member States. Electricity and diesel prices on their own explain relatively little. The findings highlight persistent regional differences in electromobility and suggest that policy tools should be better tailored to national circumstances to support a more balanced transformation of the transport sector.