Bruegel warns EU-made battery cell rules could add 2,100 euros to the cost of an EV
By Eve
A 22 September policy brief from Brussels think tank Bruegel, picked up by Euronews, estimates that requiring EU-made cells could raise battery costs from 50 euros to 85 euros per kilowatt-hour, or about 2,100 euros for a 60 kWh pack. A proposed low-carbon steel requirement could add a further 200 euros, while simplified vehicle approval would save manufacturers an estimated 61 euros per car. The final cost to buyers depends on the form of the rules, government subsidies and how much carmakers pass on.
Why it matters
Higher EV purchase prices in Europe could slow the growth of the vehicle fleet that charging networks rely on for utilisation. CPOs and funders should watch how local content rules and any subsidies shape demand when forecasting charger volumes.
Source
- Original title
- “EV Buyers Could Foot The Bill For Saving Europe’s Carmakers”
- Published
- 7 November 2026
- Updated
- 8 November 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Policy & Market
- Place
- Europe
Related news
Polanski criticises Labour climate record as ministers expected to cut EV targets for car industry
A UK politics live blog reports that Green Party leader Polanski says Labour has a "shocking record" on climate issues, while ministers are expected to cut EV targets for the car industry. The excerpt supplied gives no figures or detail on the targets, and mostly covers a Financial Times story on Rupert Lowe's reach on X.
Why it matters
Any softening of EV targets for carmakers could change expectations for vehicle uptake and, in turn, charging demand and investment cases. The scale and timing of any change are not yet confirmed in this source, so procurement and CPO teams should wait for the formal announcement.
Reports suggest UK Government set to soften 2030 ZEV Mandate target to about 60%
Following the close of the latest ZEV Mandate consultation, The Guardian reports that the UK Government will cut the 2030 target for zero-emission share of new car registrations from the current 80% to about 60%, and extend the target flexibilities until 2034. A "crunch meeting" led by First Secretary of State Louise Haigh is set for Wednesday, bringing together the Department for Transport, the Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade. The Government told The Guardian it will take a "pragmatic and balanced approach" while remaining "committed to the phase out of all new cars relying solely on petrol and diesel engines by 2030", which could point to further flexibilities, potentially including hybrid powertrains.
Why it matters
A lower 2030 ZEV share could slow the growth in EV numbers that underpins charging demand forecasts, so CPOs and funders may need to revisit utilisation assumptions and rollout timing. Extended flexibilities to 2034 add policy uncertainty to long term procurement and investment plans.
Believ CEO outlines lessons from Tower Hamlets on inclusive public EV charging
Guy Bartlett, CEO of charge point operator Believ, sets out experience from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, where, according to the RAC, 93% of homes have no off-street parking, the highest share in the UK. The piece notes that more than 124,000 public chargers are live across the UK, and argues that limited street space, competing road demands and high commuter parking pressure mean networks cannot simply be placed wherever pavement is available.
Why it matters
Dense boroughs with very low off-street parking make public charging essential to EV uptake, so tenders and rollouts need planning that goes beyond available kerb space. For CPOs and local authorities, Tower Hamlets is a reference case for designing networks around residents who depend entirely on public infrastructure.