Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) registrations continued to gain momentum across the European Union during the first five months of 2026, accounting for 20% of all new passenger car registrations, according to the latest market data. The increase reflects sustained consumer demand for electrified vehicles, supported by tax incentives and revised government support schemes across several key European markets.
Between January and May 2026, 950,521 battery-electric vehicles were registered across the EU, up from a 15.3% market share during the same period in 2025. Growth was led by Italy, where registrations increased by 75.7%, followed by France (+55.4%) and Germany (+40.9%). Belgium recorded more modest growth of 2.8%.
Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) remained the most popular powertrain choice among European consumers. During the first five months of the year, 1,795,071 hybrid-electric vehicles were registered, representing 37.8% of the EU new car market. Registrations increased across major markets, including Italy (+24.5%), Spain (+19.5%), Germany (+5.4%), and France (+2.2%).
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also continued to expand their market presence. Registrations reached 460,217 units during the January–May period, increasing their market share to 9.7%, compared with 8.3% during the corresponding period in 2025. Growth was driven by strong demand in Italy (+84.9%), Spain (+46.5%), and Germany (+16.1%).
In contrast, registrations of internal combustion engine vehicles continued to decline across the European Union. Petrol-powered car registrations fell by 18.2% year-on-year, with all major markets reporting double-digit declines. France recorded the steepest decrease at 36.8%, followed by Spain (-20.3%), Germany (-18.5%), and Italy (-17.3%).
A total of 1,065,071 petrol cars were registered during the first five months of 2026, reducing the segment’s market share from 28.5% in the previous year to 22.4%. Diesel vehicle registrations also continued to decline, falling 16.6% year-on-year and accounting for 7.6% of new EU passenger car registrations, compared with 9.5% during the same period in 2025.
Overall, the combined market share of petrol and diesel vehicles declined to 30.1%, down from 38% a year earlier, highlighting the continued shift toward electrified mobility across the European automotive market.
