EU new car registrations rise 5.3% as EV demand strengthens

New EU car registrations increased by 5.3% in the first eight months of 2026, with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) taking more than a fifth of the market, according to the latest figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

The growth came despite rising energy prices and continued geopolitical uncertainty, as demand for electrified vehicles was supported by market incentives and a broader range of models.

Hybrid-electric vehicles remained the most popular powertrain, accounting for 36.6% of new EU car registrations between January and August. BEVs captured 21.7% of the market, up from 15.8% during the same period in 2025, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) increased their share from 8.8% to 10%.

By contrast, the combined market share of petrol and diesel cars fell to 29%, compared with 37.5% a year earlier.

A total of 1,641,333 new battery-electric cars were registered across the EU during the first eight months of the year.

Three of the four largest BEV markets recorded substantial growth, with registrations rising by 74.2% in France, 53.1% in Germany and 40.9% in Denmark. Belgium recorded a more moderate increase of 13.1%. Together, the four markets accounted for 64% of EU battery-electric registrations.

Hybrid-electric registrations reached 2,759,718 units, supported by growth of 21% in Spain and 20.5% in Italy. Germany and France recorded increases of 5.2% and 1.8% respectively.

The plug-in hybrid market also continued to expand, with 758,082 registrations between January and August. Italy recorded a 77.6% increase, followed by Spain at 33.9% and Germany at 15.6%.

Meanwhile, registrations of conventional petrol and diesel vehicles continued to decline.

Petrol registrations fell by 18.6%, with France recording the sharpest fall at 35.8%. Germany saw registrations decline by 21.9%, Spain by 18.5% and Italy by 16.7%.

A total of 1,634,733 petrol cars were registered during the eight-month period, giving the powertrain a 21.7% market share, down from 28% a year earlier.

Diesel registrations also declined by 18.6%, reducing their share of the EU new car market from 9.4% to 7.3%.