European Automakers Report CO2 Emissions for 2026
Data for early 2026 shows manufacturers balancing electric vehicle shares to meet stringent regional carbon targets.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Between January and September 2026, European car manufacturers recorded average emissions of 90 g CO2/km. This figure remains below the mandated 2026 average target of 94 g CO2/km.
Why it matters
Automakers are increasing battery electric vehicle shares and utilizing pooling arrangements to meet emission mandates and avoid potential regulatory penalties. Compliance remains a critical focus as companies prepare for final assessments at the end of 2027.
Manufacturer pools tracked an average of 1 g CO2/km below the 2025-2027 target during the nine-month period. While BYD maintained a 48 g CO2/km compliance lead, the Volkswagen pool exceeded its target by 6 g CO2/km.
The players
Volkswagen
A German multinational automotive manufacturing corporation that reported exceeding its CO2 emissions target by 6 g CO2/km.
BYD
A Chinese manufacturer of automobiles and electric vehicles that maintained a 48 g CO2/km compliance lead relative to its target.
Tesla
An American electric vehicle and clean energy company that remained 11 g CO2/km below its assigned emissions target.
BMW Group
A German luxury vehicle manufacturer that achieved a 31% battery electric vehicle share between January and September 2026.
Porsche
A German luxury car manufacturer that stayed 6 g CO2/km below its emissions target while reporting a 79% battery electric vehicle share.
The details
Manufacturers leverage battery electric vehicle registrations and eco-innovation credits to reach required carbon reductions. Companies like BMW reported a 31% battery electric vehicle share through September 2026 to support their compliance goals.
Timeline
Average emissions were calculated from January through September 2026.
Registration shares were measured during September 2026.
The current regulatory compliance period spans 2025 to 2027.
Incremental CO2 reduction requirements are scheduled through 2035.
Roadmap
This emissions data illustrates the ongoing industry shift toward electrification as a primary tool for meeting the EU CO2 emissions performance standards for cars. Manufacturers are increasingly dependent on high battery electric vehicle shares to balance their portfolios against traditional internal combustion engines.
The push to meet these strict emission targets influences the availability and pricing of electric vehicle models across global markets. Consumers can expect manufacturers to continue prioritizing the production and marketing of battery electric vehicles to offset their fleet-wide carbon footprints.
The takeaway
Automakers are under significant pressure to accelerate their electric vehicle transition to satisfy regional carbon requirements before 2027. Success in this regulatory environment increasingly relies on achieving high adoption rates for battery-powered models.
Further reading
For more on industry transitions, visit the /Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by International Council on Clean Transportation.
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