Paris car show kicks off after COVID-19 break

The Paris car show kicked off on Monday after a four-year absence because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Europe is leading the charge into electric vehicles as battery powered cars break out of their niche market of first adopters and enter the mainstream.

The electric-as-routine approach is on display this week at a slimmed down Paris auto show as carmakers show off models aimed at fulfilling Europe's promises to phase out internal combustion cars by 2035, including Chinese manufacturers who analysts say are making rapid technological progress as they explore expansion into Europe.

Many of Europe's top automakers - including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW - are skipping the biennial throttle-fest, as the car industry grapples a chip shortage and rising prices.

Electric engines are more expensive and components such as semi-conductors are not readily available to European carmakers. Brands like Dacia are trying to keep down their prices to be affordable to the average consumer.