New data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) shows that fully electric cars accounted for 22.6% of new vehicle registrations in December, slightly ahead of petrol cars at 22.5%. Hybrid vehicles continued to lead the market, taking a 44% share of total registrations, reports Dealerfloor Motor Industry News.
The change comes at a time when European Union lawmakers are discussing whether to ease planned emissions rules, a step that could allow petrol and diesel cars to remain on the road for longer. However, analysts say December’s figures reflect more than just a shift in buyer preference.
Matthias Schmidt, an auto industry analyst, said the fall in petrol registrations is partly due to some models being reclassified as “mild hybrids”. These vehicles still rely mainly on petrol engines and offer only limited reductions in emissions. Schmidt said electric vehicles may still need about five more years before they clearly overtake petrol and diesel cars across all European markets.
Across Europe as a whole, including the United Kingdom and Norway, car sales rose for the sixth straight month compared with a year earlier. Competition in the market is also intensifying, with Chinese carmakers such as BYD, Changan and Geely rapidly expanding their presence and challenging established European brands. Volkswagen and BMW continue to roll out new electric models as they respond to growing competition and the financial pressures linked to electric vehicle production.
The EU’s proposal in December to drop its planned 2035 ban on combustion-engine cars highlights the tensions within the sector. Even so, industry experts remain positive about the outlook for electric vehicles. Chris Heron of E-Mobility Europe said the arrival of more affordable electric cars made in Europe, along with renewed government support, is helping to boost public interest. He added that expectations for further growth into 2026 remain strong.
Results differed among major carmakers. Volkswagen and Stellantis reported solid growth in registrations, Renault saw a small decline, and Tesla recorded a sharp drop. BYD, meanwhile, posted a strong increase, further strengthening its position in the European market.
Overall, December registrations showed clear gains for electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles. Together, these models made up about two-thirds of all new cars sold, indicating that Europe’s move toward cleaner transport continues to build pace.
