Europe’s passenger car market recorded a modest rise in February 2026, supported by strong growth in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, according to data released by JATO Dynamics.
A total of 978,190 new cars were registered across Europe-28 markets, marking a 1.7% year-on-year increase. Germany remained the largest market with 229,000 registrations, followed by Italy (174,000), France (151,000), and United Kingdom (105,000).
The growth was largely driven by the continued shift toward electrification. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) saw registrations rise by 16% year-on-year, accounting for 19.4% of the total market. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) posted the strongest growth, surging 34% to capture a 9.9% share.
Other electrified powertrains also expanded, with mild hybrids (MHEVs) increasing by 12% to hold a 25.5% share, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) grew by 8%, maintaining nearly 14% of the market. In contrast, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles continued to decline sharply, dropping 20% year-on-year and now representing just 29.9% of total registrations.
Among automakers, Volkswagen remained the most-registered brand despite facing declines in key electric models. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz and Renault recorded strong growth, while BMW and Audi saw double-digit drops amid increased competition and model transitions.
In the BEV segment, several brands delivered standout performances. Skoda led with a 112% increase, followed by Ford Motor Company and Toyota, both posting 97% growth, driven by new model launches such as the Skoda Elroq and Ford Explorer EV.
The data also highlighted regional disparities in EV adoption. Markets with strong government incentives and well-developed charging infrastructure—such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom—are advancing more rapidly toward electrification. In contrast, Southern and Eastern European countries continue to rely more heavily on traditional combustion vehicles.
Chinese automakers are also strengthening their presence in Europe’s EV market. Models like the Leapmotor T03 recorded exceptional growth, underlining the increasing competitive pressure from new entrants.
Industry analysts note that while the transition to electric mobility is accelerating, automakers are experiencing varied performance across different electrified powertrains as they adapt to the evolving market landscape.
Overall, February’s results reaffirm a clear trend: Europe’s automotive market is steadily shifting away from internal combustion engines toward a more electrified future, despite ongoing challenges and uneven adoption across regions.
