Record numbers researching new EVs

Record numbers of auto customers are researching EVs, according to the latest Sophus3 EV Index, despite persistent affordability pressures in some markets.

The Q4 2025 index, which measures ‘EV readiness’ based on a number of key datapoints, reveals improvements in Germany (up from 58 to 63), France (53 to 61), the UK (60 to 62) and Italy (30 to 39), all driven by increases in consumer interest. Even structurally weaker markets such as Spain recorded gains, with its index edging up from 34 to 36. The uplift coincided with an unusually busy period of policy announcements, incentive adjustments and sales milestones.

Germany’s consumer interest score increased from 37 to 44, boosted by government announcements in June of new EV incentive plans and subsequent confirmation that purchase subsidies would return, including support for used electric vehicles. France saw consumer interest rise from 33 to 41 in the wake of July’s relaunch of its low-income EV leasing scheme, which was widely seen as a key driver of EV adoption when first introduced in December 2023. Italy’s consumer interest climbed from 15 to 22, coinciding with a new national EV bonus in October, including incentives of up to €11,000 for eligible vehicles.

In the UK, consumer interest remained the strongest of the EU5, up six points to 58, despite negative headlines following a future per-mile charging policy hint by the government.

In the Netherlands, which has invested heavily in EV adoption, the data reflects one of the most dramatic shifts. Consumer interest surged from 60 in Q3 to 95 in Q4, pushing the overall index from 88 to 100. The jump mirrors a sharp rise in EV registrations in October and November, with electric vehicles driving overall car sales growth as buyers rushed to register vehicles ahead of expected tax changes in 2026.

Affordability and infrastructure

The second pillar of the EV Index, ‘affordability and choice’, however, remains uneven across regions, with markets such as France and Germany either flat or up, contrasting with declines in Spain and the Netherlands. In the UK, affordability slipped from 65 to 63 as car brands optimised pricing in response to government subsidies.

EV charging infrastructure, the third pillar of the index, suggests a level of maturity across many markets, with already-high scores broadly unchanged. It indicates a shift away from rapid network expansion towards optimisation, reliability and congestion management.

EV Index Q4 2025

Figures in brackets show change from Q3 2025

EU5 summary

Germany 63 (+5) consolidates its recovery this quarter. A strong rebound in consumer interest is matched by stable affordability and infrastructure. With new policy incentives announced, the data points to renewed confidence and improving demand.

Spain 36 (+2) continues to progress slowly. Consumer interest improves modestly, but a significant decline in affordability and choice limits overall momentum. Infrastructure remains static, reinforcing Spain’s reliance on policy intervention and lower-cost vehicle offerings to unlock demand.

France 61 (+8) delivers one of the strongest performances in Q4. Gains are broad-based, with rising consumer interest, improving affordability and fully mature infrastructure. Policy stability and domestic OEM engagement continue to translate into sustained improvements.

Italy 39 (+9) posts another strong quarterly improvement. Rising consumer interest and a notable uplift in affordability suggest demand is beginning to materialise. Infrastructure remains unchanged, but continued progress will depend on faster deployment outside major urban centres.

The UK 62 (+2) extends its gradual upward trend. Consumer interest strengthens further, supported by infrastructure gains. Affordability pressures persist, underscoring the tension between regulatory ambition and consumer sensitivity to cost.

2026 outlook

In the biggest markets, charging availability is increasingly viewed as a baseline requirement rather than a driver of growth. Instead, movements in consumer interest and affordability – strongly influenced by how incentives are announced, structured, and delivered – are shaping outcomes.

Markets such as Italy and France demonstrate how clear, well-timed policy interventions can lift both demand and affordability within a single quarter. Others, notably the Netherlands and Spain, show how surging interest can coexist with declining affordability when cost pressures or administrative frictions become more visible.

As we enter 2026, the sustainability of the Q4 2025 performance will depend less on charging availability and more on whether consumers continue to see EVs as economically compelling over the full ownership cycle.

The EV Index from Sophus3 provides an objective measure of the readiness of the vehicle market to enable and encourage the mainstream adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

The index is formed from three pillars, each measuring distinct factors that help or hinder electric vehicle acquisition. First of these is the consumer appetite to buy electric, the second is the capability of the automotive companies to supply these cars, and the third is the availability of suitable charging infrastructure.

A score of 100 represents parity in the attractiveness, availability, pricing and usability of an electric car compared with a conventionally fuelled vehicle.

We publish the EV Index for the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway.

A fuller explanation of the EV Index from Sophus3 can be found here.