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The European automotive landscape is experiencing a significant transformation, particularly with the increasing popularity of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and fully electric cars. Data suggests a notable shift, indicating that plug-in hybrids are approaching the point of surpassing diesel vehicles in overall registrations. This evolution stems from a combination of stricter environmental regulations and changing consumer preferences favoring more sustainable transportation options.
Evidence collected since 2013 shows a steady rise in the sales of alternative fuel vehicles, which include battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, fuel cell vehicles, and mild hybrids. An interactive data visualization provides insights into vehicle sales by state and region, allowing stakeholders to understand the significant changes in the market.
Market growth trends in Europe
October 2025 marked a positive month for the automotive sector in Europe, with a 5.8% increase in registrations compared to the previous year. This growth trend is evident not just in October but throughout the year, with a 1.4% increase reported from January to October. The rise in registrations indicates an ongoing recovery in the automotive market, driven by the increasing adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Record sales of plug-in hybrids
Plug-in hybrids experienced an impressive 43% growth in sales during October, with a total of 819,000 units sold in the first ten months of 2025, reflecting a substantial 32% increase year-on-year. This surge places plug-in hybrids in close competition with diesel cars, which recorded 821,000 registrations but faced a significant decline of 24.5%. The shift is significant, as plug-in hybrids now command a larger share of the market, demonstrating a clear consumer preference for vehicles that offer both electric and traditional fuel options.
When examining the broader European market, including the UK and EFTA countries, plug-in hybrids have already surpassed diesel vehicle registrations, achieving over 1 million units sold. This trend highlights a growing acceptance of hybrid technology as consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious.
Electric vehicles also on the rise
In addition to the growth in plug-in hybrids, the sales of fully electric vehicles (BEVs) have demonstrated remarkable progress. In the first ten months of 2025, BEVs reached 1.47 million registrations in the EU, representing a 25.7% increase from the previous year. Including the UK and EFTA regions, total registrations exceeded 2 million, marking a 26.2% growth overall. This figure underscores the rising preference for zero-emission vehicles among European consumers.
The European regulatory landscape
The shift towards electrification is largely influenced by European Union policies aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transport solutions. The European market is witnessing a substantial decline in traditional gasoline and diesel vehicle registrations, with gasoline registrations down 18.3% and diesel vehicles decreasing by 24.5% in 2025. Consequently, the automotive industry is evolving to meet regulatory demands while catering to a more environmentally aware consumer base.
As a result, the market share for electric and hybrid vehicles now represents approximately 43% of the total automotive market in Europe. This percentage is expected to rise significantly, diminishing the presence of conventional fuel vehicles as demand for electrified options escalates.
Challenges and future outlook
While the growth of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles is promising, challenges remain. For instance, some countries, such as Italy, have reported slower adoption rates compared to other European nations, with only a 12.2% market share for electric and hybrid vehicles. This gap highlights the need for strategic interventions to enhance the adoption of sustainable vehicles.
The UNRAE, an important automotive association in Italy, emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive review of fiscal policies concerning corporate vehicles to support the growth of electric mobility. Additionally, investments in charging infrastructure and incentives for consumers will be crucial to accelerating the transition towards a cleaner automotive future.
Evidence collected since 2013 shows a steady rise in the sales of alternative fuel vehicles, which include battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, fuel cell vehicles, and mild hybrids. An interactive data visualization provides insights into vehicle sales by state and region, allowing stakeholders to understand the significant changes in the market.0