Electric Vehicles Surge in European Markets, Capturing Significant Market Share
In an impressive shift in the automotive landscape, electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining traction in Europe. September saw nearly 399,000 plugin vehicles registered, marking it as the second-highest month for plugin sales, trailing only behind December 2022’s 412,000 registrations. December 2025 is anticipated to break new records, potentially exceeding 425,000 units.
The broader automotive market also experienced growth, with a notable 11% year-over-year (YoY) increase to 1.2 million units in September. This growth is primarily driven by electrified powertrains: hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) rose by 16% YoY to a 35% market share, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) increased by 22% to claim a 21% share (approximately 265,000 units), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) saw a remarkable 59% YoY surge, capturing an 11% market share with sales of around 135,000 units.
Conversely, traditional fuel vehicles are losing ground. September saw petrol vehicle sales decrease by 8% YoY, holding a 24% share, while diesel sales plummeted by 16% YoY, now representing just 6% of the market. The once-dominant diesel, which previously boasted over 60% market share in Europe, is rapidly declining.
When combined, electrified vehicles (HEVs, BEVs, and PHEVs) now account for 67% of new car sales in Europe. Despite the strong September performance, BEVs hold a year-to-date market share of 18%, with PHEVs and BEVs together accounting for 28%.
Top EV Models in September: Tesla Dominates
September’s EV sales reveal Tesla’s dominance, with the Model Y and Model 3 securing the top two spots. The Model Y led with 27,564 units sold, achieving its first top-seller position in the overall market this year. Although its year-over-year sales declined by 20%, the Model Y still managed to outperform the competition, more than doubling the sales of the second-place Tesla Model 3.
The Tesla Model 3 followed closely, with 12,182 registrations, despite a 20% YoY decline. Meanwhile, the BYD Seal U (European version of BYD Song) achieved a podium finish with 12,152 registrations, driven primarily by its PHEV variant.
Skoda’s Elroq secured the fourth spot with first-time sales exceeding 10,000 units, demonstrating Volkswagen Group’s success in the compact crossover market. The VW ID.3 completed the top five, achieving its best sales figure since June 2024, thanks to a model refresh and price adjustments.
Noteworthy Performances and Future Outlook
Other standout performers outside the top five include the Ford Puma EV, which achieved record sales of 4,297 units, and the Volvo EX30, which reached its highest sales since relocating production to Gent, Belgium. Chinese automakers also made significant inroads, with brands like BYD and MG posting record sales.
In terms of market trends, the D-segment (midsize category) sees all top sellers as plugins, while the C-segment (compact category) and B-segment (subcompacts) remain dominated by internal combustion engine (ICE) models, with electrification more prevalent in higher-end segments.
Looking at brand rankings for September, Volkswagen leads the plugin market with an 11.2% share, poised to reclaim the top spot from Tesla. Chinese brands are rapidly growing, with MG and BYD showing significant YoY increases.
As the year progresses, the competition among the top EV models and brands remains fierce, with significant shifts expected in the coming months. The continued rise of Chinese automakers and the decline of traditional fuel vehicles highlight the ongoing transformation of the European automotive market.
Original Story at cleantechnica.com