Cheaper, quicker to charge and built closer to home: that’s the story of the electric cars at the Paris Motor Show 2026. Twelve brands showed 16 new electric models and concepts, from a reborn Citroen 2CV to a seven-seat BYD that charges in nine minutes. Chinese brands turned up in force too, with around 20 at the show, up from nine in 2024. The mood was confident, and with this much competition, buyers look set to benefit.
What are the key EV trends from the Paris Motor Show 2026?
Three themes stood out: affordable small EVs, more cars built in Europe, and much faster charging.
- Small, affordable EVs are going mainstream. Many of the biggest launches were compact electric cars aimed at the entry-level market, where most buyers are.
- Built in Europe, for Europe. Volkswagen builds its new urban EVs in Spain, Leapmotor has started building its B10 there too, and Hyundai says almost 80% of what it sells in Europe is now built in Europe.
- Charging stops are shrinking. BYD’s FLASH Charging goes from 10% to 97% in nine minutes, and several new models now manage 10-80% in around 20 minutes.
What were the biggest EV reveals at the Paris Motor Show 2026?
Citroen 2CV
The 2CV is back, and this time it’s electric. Built on Stellantis’s e-car platform, it’s expected to start from around €15,000 (about £13,000), which would put it right at the budget end of the market. You’ll need to be patient, though: it’s likely to go on sale in 2028. Citroen also showed an electric 2CV Fourgonnette van.
BYD ATTO 8
If charging time is what’s holding you back from an electric seven-seater, BYD has an answer. The ATTO 8 is the first BYD in Europe with FLASH Charging, which takes its 115kWh battery from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. Range is up to 405 miles in the rear-wheel-drive version, and a 775PS all-wheel-drive model does 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. The catch? You’ll need one of BYD’s FLASH chargers, and 3,000 are planned across Europe by the end of 2027. It goes on sale in Q1 2027.
Volkswagen Group’s urban EV family
Four small EVs from three brands appeared together for the first time: the CUPRA Raval, VW ID. Polo, Skoda Epiq and VW ID. Cross. They share the same platform and more than 80% of their parts, but each one has its own design and character. Demand looks strong, with almost 150,000 orders taken before deliveries have started. Skoda also added a sporty Epiq SportLine, priced from £32,450 OTR, with around 270 miles of range (preliminary figure) and deliveries from Q1 2027.
“We develop together where economies of scale and speed are crucial, while at the same time creating independent products with a clear identity for each brand,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Brand and Head of Brand Group Core.
Leapmotor B03
Leapmotor’s new urban hatchback made its European debut, and it packs a lot into a small car. It has up to 242 miles of range (WLTP) and charges from 10-80% in 21 minutes. It also offers 888mm of rear legroom, which is generous for its size. It arrives in the UK in 2027.
Hyundai STARIA Cargo
For fleets, this could be the most useful reveal of the show. Hyundai’s first all-electric van has a WLTP range of 450km (around 280 miles), and its 800-volt system charges from 10-80% in 20 minutes. It carries a 1,040kg payload, takes three Euro pallets, and can tow 2,000kg even when fully loaded.
“Businesses should not have to choose between electrification and productivity,” said Xavier Martinet, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Europe.
Peugeot RCZ Vision
This electric coupé concept uses a solid-state battery. Peugeot claims about 372 miles of range and 10-80% charging in around 10 minutes. It’s only a concept for now, but solid-state batteries are one of the big hopes for the next generation of EVs, so it’s one to watch.
Also at the show
- AION UT Cross: a raised version of the UT supermini, with a 440-litre boot and a heat pump as standard. Due in the UK in early 2027.
- BYD Dolphin Surf: BYD’s most affordable EV now has five seats, a 12.8-inch screen on Comfort trim and a 308-litre boot.
- Volkswagen ID. Tiguan: the renamed and updated ID.4, with a new interior and fresh styling. Pricing and range are still to come.
- FIAT Multiplay: a 4.45-metre concept that turns from a 6+1-seat family car into a four-seat pick-up with an open bed. FIAT says it’s a lab of ideas for future models, not a preview of a production car.
- Chery Q: Chery’s first fully electric model made its European public debut. Chery also plans to reach 27 EU markets by 2027.
- Volkswagen Mission Efficiency: an ultra-efficient concept with a reported range of up to 500 miles.
- Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso: a coupé concept showing where Alfa Romeo is heading, with a full-electric option planned for future models.
- Hyundai and Waymo: the two companies will explore taking their self-driving partnership, which uses the all-electric IONIQ 5, beyond the US.
What it means for drivers and fleets
The next couple of years look busy.
The BYD ATTO 8, Skoda Epiq SportLine (pictured above) and AION UT Cross all arrive in early 2027, Volkswagen’s urban EVs start deliveries, and the 2CV follows in 2028. For drivers, that means more choice, lower entry prices, shorter charging stops and some fresh nostalgia.
For fleets, vans like the STARIA Cargo show that electric working vehicles are catching up on payload and towing. Established brands are under pressure, with Chinese newcomers expanding fast and building in Europe becoming the standard way to compete. We’ll be keeping an eye on when these models become available to lease.
