STORY: Rising fuel prices driven by the Iran war are boosting demand for new and used electric vehicles across Europe.
But some executives warn interest could fade if petrol costs fall.
Industry experts say improvements in charging infrastructure and a wave of more affordable models...
including from Chinese automakers - are helping make EVs more mainstream and supporting demand.
The U.S. and Iran have agreed to an extended ceasefire.
But shipping disruptions mean oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz may take weeks to normalise...
with fuel prices likely to remain elevated for months.
Data provided to Reuters by one auto research group shows new EV registrations rose 34% year-on-year in May.
That was across 17 markets covering more than 90% of EU and European Free Trade Association car sales.
Fully electric models accounted for almost one in four new registrations in those markets.
Renault has said its EV order book has risen by 50% in some countries since late February.
Though last week he predicted growth "will decrease" if fuel prices fall.
The conflict has come as automakers roll out cheaper EVs in Europe...
and addressing one of the main barriers to adoption - higher upfront costs compared with combustion-engine cars.
Chinese automakers are expanding beyond larger models into smaller hatchbacks for Europe.
BYD launched its Dolphin G in Berlin last week.
Supply of used EVs is also rising, with strong demand.
They are also relatively cheap.
Price cuts led by Tesla in 2023 sharply reduced resale values, though prices are now edging higher as demand strengthens.
