The first quarter of 2025 has brought mixed fortunes for the European automotive industry.
While overall car sales across the EU dipped by 1.9%, with 2.7 million new cars sold—53,974 fewer than last year—electric vehicles (EVs) have defied the trend, enjoying a remarkable 23.9% growth.
A total of 412,997 EVs were registered, representing 15.2% of the EU market share.
This surge was driven by strong performances in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with the UK also witnessing a 42.6% increase.
However, the picture is far from uniform. While EVs thrive, traditional combustion engine vehicles are on the decline.
Sales of petrol cars plummeted by 20.6%, and diesel vehicles saw a significant drop of 27.1%.
Despite these setbacks, hybrid vehicles posted gains, with registrations rising by 20.7%, further underlining the shift towards greener alternatives.
As Europe continues to navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape, the shift toward electrification seems unstoppable, with countries like Norway and Iceland leading the charge.
The road ahead is paved with challenges, but the electric revolution is undeniably underway.