In 2025, Europe remained at the forefront of the electric vehicle transition, with EVs accounting for more than a quarter of all new car registrations. In 2026, governments continue to invest heavily in charging networks and zero-emission mandates, but progress is uneven. While Norway and Sweden are close to a full phase-out of petrol cars, electric models still represent less than 10% of new sales in some parts of Southern and Eastern Europe.
The internal combustion engine continues to rule
Electrification within the automotive industry continues despite the turbulence of recent years in the battery manufacturing sector. In the long term, large volumes of end‑of‑life batteries will need to be handled. This market, according to Marcus Martinsson, Product Area Manager for Batteries at Stena Recycling Group, will be worth SEK 260 billion globally within ten years. The previous focus was entirely on recycling, but demand is now increasing for smart ways to reuse automotive batteries
WBG semiconductors
