New EU car registrations climbed 1.8% in 2025 to 10.8 million units, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). However, volumes stay below pre-pandemic peaks. Battery-electric cars grabbed 17.4% share, up from 13.6% in 2024. Moreover, hybrids led with 34.5%. Therefore, traditional fuels dropped sharply.
Battery-Electric Surge in Key Markets
Battery-electric registrations hit 1.88 million in the EU. This marks a 29.9% jump year-over-year. Germany led with 545,142 units, up 43.2%. For example, the Netherlands grew 18.1%, Belgium 12.6%, and France 12.5%. These four markets handle 62% of EU BEV sales.
December 2025 showed a 51% BEV surge alone. Incentives and model variety fueled this. Additionally, broader Europe (EU + EFTA + UK) saw BEVs up 29.7% to 2.58 million. Tesla faced drops, yet overall EVs outsold petrol in shares. Transition words like “furthermore” highlight momentum.
Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Gains
Hybrids dominated at 34.5% share with 3.73 million units. Spain boosted this by 23.1%, France 21.6%. Germany added 8%, Italy 7.9%. Buyers prefer them for range and familiarity.
Plug-in hybrids reached 9.4% share, up from 7.2%. They totaled 1.02 million, driven by Spain’s 111.7% leap. Italy surged 86.6%, Germany 62.3%. December posted 36.7% growth. Thus, electrified options now exceed 60% combined.
Country Spotlights for Electrified Growth
Germany reclaimed top BEV spot despite past subsidy cuts. France saw hybrid rises amid petrol plunge. Spain excelled in plug-ins. Meanwhile, Poland jumped 161.5% in BEVs. These shifts reflect policy tweaks and infrastructure builds.
Petrol and Diesel Sharp Declines
Petrol sales fell 18.7% to 2.88 million units, 26.6% share. France dropped 32%, Germany 21.6%. Italy lost 18.2%, Spain 16%. Diesel sank 24.2% to 960,024 units, 8.9% share. December declines hit 19.2% and 22.4%.
Combined, they hold 35.5%, down from 45.2%. Consumers shift to electrified for efficiency. For instance, EU rules push 15% emission cuts from 2025. Therefore, ICE faces pressure.
Manufacturer Leaders and Future Outlook
Volkswagen Group topped with 27.6% share, up 5.5%. Stellantis held 15.3%, Renault Group 11.5%. Hyundai and Toyota followed closely. VW sold 1.22 million, Skoda 724k.
​Europe-wide, sales rose 2.4% to 13.3 million, first above 13m since 2019. Yet, 2.5m below 2019. EVs gain, but hybrids bridge gaps. Moreover, 2026 incentives may accelerate BEVs. Stakeholders watch regulations closely.
​Battery-electric growth signals transition. Hybrids buy time for full EVs. Petrol-diesel fade fast. Therefore, infrastructure and policies matter most now.
