The figures highlight Europe’s gradual shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles despite proposals to ease emissions rules.
Sales of fully electric cars overtook petrol only vehicles in the European Union for the first time in December, highlighting a gradual but steady shift in the bloc’s car market towards electrified transport, industry data showed.
According to figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, fully electric vehicles accounted for 22.6% of EU car registrations in December, narrowly surpassing petrol cars at 22.5%. Hybrid vehicles, including plug in hybrids, remained the largest segment, representing 44% of registrations. Vehicle registrations are used as a proxy for sales.
The milestone comes despite proposals by EU policymakers to ease emissions rules, a move that could allow combustion engine vehicles to remain on the market for longer. Analysts caution that the transition will take time. Independent automotive analyst Matthias Schmidt said part of the decline in petrol car sales reflects the reclassification of some models as mild hybrids, which still rely on petrol engines and deliver limited emissions reductions.
Across the wider European market, including Britain and Norway, car sales recorded a sixth consecutive month of year on year growth. Competition is intensifying as Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Geely and Changan expand in Europe, challenging established brands including Volkswagen and BMW.
Total car sales in the EU rose 5.8% in December to nearly one million vehicles, while full year sales increased 1.8% to 10.8 million. Registrations of battery electric, plug in hybrid and hybrid electric vehicles jumped sharply, together accounting for 67% of December registrations. Industry groups expect electric vehicles to continue gaining market share through 2026.
