Electric vehicles continued to drive growth in Europe’s car market in June, as demand for battery-powered and hybrid models rose sharply while registrations of petrol and diesel cars declined, according to new industry data.
Total new car registrations across the European Union, Britain and the European Free Trade Association increased 13.1 per cent to 1,407,332 vehicles during the month, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association said.
The figures showed a clear shift in consumer demand towards electrified vehicles. Battery-electric car registrations jumped 51 per cent year on year, while plug-in hybrid sales rose 22.7 per cent. Registrations of conventional hybrid vehicles increased 17.1 per cent.
Together, the three categories accounted for almost 70 per cent of all new car registrations in June.
The rise came as demand for traditional engines weakened. Petrol car registrations fell 12.2 per cent, while diesel registrations dropped 16.9 per cent compared with the same month last year.
The shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles also helped Chinese manufacturers strengthen their position in the European market.
BYD, Chery and Leapmotor recorded sales between almost three and six times higher than a year earlier. SAIC registrations increased by more than 50 per cent, while Geely sales rose by 11 per cent.
The performance reflects the growing presence of Chinese carmakers in Europe, where manufacturers are expanding their ranges of electric vehicles and competing on price, technology and availability.
Major European carmakers also recorded growth during the month. Registrations at Renault, Stellantis and Volkswagen rose by between 3.6 per cent and 7.3 per cent.
The June figures point to continued changes in the structure of Europe’s automotive market, as buyers increasingly choose vehicles with some form of electric power.
Battery-electric vehicles remain central to the industry’s long-term shift away from fossil fuels, while hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are providing alternatives for consumers who may not yet be ready to move fully to electric driving.
The continued decline in petrol and diesel registrations is also increasing pressure on traditional manufacturers to expand their electric line-ups as governments across Europe pursue emissions reduction targets.
At the same time, the growing sales of Chinese brands are adding to competition for established European manufacturers. Their rapid growth in June highlights the changing balance of the market as new players gain ground in one of the world’s largest automotive regions.
