Brussels has come up with a clever incentive to push manufacturers towards building more small, affordable electric vehicles right here in Europe. The new M1E category covers fully electric cars under 4.2 metres long, produced on the continent, and each one sold now counts as 1.3 vehicles in the fleet CO2 calculations. That gives brands a handy 30% advantage, helping them hit tougher emissions targets without facing massive fines.
It's a smart move at just the right time. From 2025, the CO2 rules are already strict – a 15% cut from 2021 levels, around 93.6 grams per kilometre on average – and fines kick in at €95 per excess gram per car sold. With the recent Automotive Package adding flexibilities like banking credits over multiple years and a slight easing for 2035 (now a 90% reduction instead of 100%), this super credit for small EVs encourages local production while keeping the pressure on for cleaner fleets.
Take the Renault 5 E-Tech: a charming retro-styled hatch that's nimble in traffic, offers decent range, and finally comes at a price that doesn't feel like punishment.
The Citroën ë-C3 delivers that famous French comfort, but silent and with running costs that make you smile every time you skip the petrol station.
The Fiat 500e is still the style king – compact, fun to park anywhere, and bursting with Italian character.
Volkswagen is gearing up with affordable models based on the ID.2 concepts: practical, solid, and built for everyday life without the exhaust.
And if you fancy some excitement: the Alpine A290, a proper electric hot hatch that shows going green doesn't mean going slow.
These cars are quiet, punchy off the line, and increasingly sensible to own as charging networks grow and prices drop. No more queuing at pumps, no tailpipe pollution, and you're doing your bit for cleaner air without giving up the joy of driving.
If you're looking for a 100% electric car right now, readers can also head to our marketplace where you can search and buy electric vehicles: https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/.
