Sales surge over 200%: ICE sales fall while EVs grow across the EU

While petrol- and diesel-powered car sales continue to decline throughout the EU, electric and hybrid vehicles are rapidly gaining ground, according to the latest January – August 2025 sales report from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

New car registrations in the EU remained almost unchanged during the first eight months of 2025, showing only a marginal decrease of 0.1% compared to the same period last year. However, growing interest in EVs has helped overall sales remain stable. From January to August, EV sales increased by 24.8% year-on-year.

At the same time, traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles continue to lose market share. Registrations of new petrol cars fell by 19.7%, while diesel models dropped by 25.7% over the same period.

According to ACEA, EVs now account for 15.8% of the market. Hybrids represent 34.7%, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) 8.8%, petrol 28.1%, and diesel 9.4%. Germany recorded one of the strongest increases in EV sales, up 39.2% from January to August. Italy followed with 28.9%, while Spain saw its EV sales double.

Chinese manufacturers continue to strengthen their presence: BYD sales grew by 244%, and SAIC Motor increased its numbers by 33.1% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Tesla’s sales fell by more than 42%, reducing its EU market share from 2.1% to 1.2%.

Volkswagen Group retained its leading position, holding 27.5% of the market. Within the group, Škoda and Cupra stood out with growth of 10% and 39.1%, respectively, while Audi, Porsche, and Seat all reported declines. The French Renault Group also demonstrated positive momentum with a 5.8% sales increase, driven by all its brands – Renault, Dacia, and Alpine.

Premium brands BMW and Mercedes likewise posted higher sales.

However, Toyota and Stellantis – which together control roughly a quarter of the European market – experienced a decline in sales.