Electric Car Sales Rise 30% in Europe

Why this is here: In 2025, about 23 million cars were sold across Europe, with electric or hybrid vehicles accounting for one in three.

The International Energy Agency reports electric and rechargeable hybrid car sales increased by 30% across Europe in the first quarter of 2026. This growth follows a nearly 30% jump in fully electric car sales in 2025, reaching a 17.4% market share. Spain saw the largest increase with a 77% rise in sales, while Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France also showed gains.

The shift comes as gasoline car sales fell by 18.7% in 2025, totaling 2.88 million units. Rising fuel prices, linked to conflict in the Middle East, and the availability of more affordable electric models contribute to this change. Renault’s electric Renault 5 saw 26,000 registrations in 2025, and Stellantis launched a new electric city car.

However, the AIE notes that roughly one in three cars sold in Europe will be electric or hybrid this year. The transition still requires addressing accessibility for all income levels, and government incentives remain crucial to meeting climate goals.