Daily EV news · Global · 24 October 2026
Electric Vehicles
Used Chinese EVs bypass Western tariffs, sales to EU up 280% year on year
Pre-owned Chinese electric vehicles, exempt from EU tariffs as high as 45.3% on new battery-electric vehicles, are entering Western markets at prices up to 40% below MSRP. Sales to EU customers grew 280% year over year, reaching 7,900 units through September, according to China EV Marketplace. The trend offers buyers comparable technology to new Western EVs while sidestepping protectionist import duties and hybrid quotas.
Why it matters
Fleet operators and charge point operators may see accelerated adoption of lower cost Chinese EVs in their service areas, potentially shifting demand patterns and requiring infrastructure planning for a broader mix of vehicle brands. The secondary market route also signals sustained Chinese EV penetration despite tariff barriers, influencing long term charging network investment decisions.
Global zero emission truck sales surge 75% in first half of 2026, but Europe lags China
Nearly 158,000 zero emission heavy and medium duty trucks were sold worldwide between January and June 2026, up 75% year on year and more than eight times the level recorded in the first half of 2023, according to the Commercial ZEV Factbook published by BloombergNEF with the Smart Freight Centre, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Traton Group. BloombergNEF forecasts zero emission models could reach 9% of global truck sales for the full year 2026. Battery electric technology dominates, with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles accounting for only around 530 units, or 0.3% of the market, while regional imbalances remain stark with China leading adoption.
Why it matters
The rapid growth in electric truck sales signals accelerating demand for depot and en route charging infrastructure, particularly in markets where adoption is concentrated. The near total dominance of battery electric over hydrogen technology clarifies the infrastructure investment priority for fleet operators and charging point operators planning heavy duty networks.
Turkish automotive show discusses sub-€15,000 Fiat Koala, $9,800 BYD Seagull and domestic EV van plans
Turkish automotive programme Oto Gündem covered the affordable EV race, including Stellantis's Fiat Koala (targeting under €15,000, under 4.2 metres, sharing a platform with Citroën 2CV, with potential Tofaş production and Turkey launch). The show also discussed BYD's second generation Seagull (starting at $9,800, offering LiDAR versions, ultra fast charging, 30 kWh and 39.2 kWh Blade batteries) and the domestic Karluna Pratik L7e commercial EV (30 kWh, 60 kWh and 90 kWh battery options, 90 km/h top speed).
Why it matters
Sub-€15,000 EVs from major OEMs and Chinese rivals signal intensifying price competition that will shape charging infrastructure demand in emerging markets. Turkey's potential role in Stellantis production and domestic L7e commercial EV development indicate new regional manufacturing and fleet electrification opportunities for charge point operators.