The European Union has reached a historic milestone in the transition to sustainable transportation. For the first time ever, sales of fully electric vehicles (EVs) have surpassed those of petrol-driven cars across the bloc. According to new data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), battery-electric vehicles accounted for a larger market share than petrol cars in December 2025. This achievement signals a decisive shift in consumer preference and the success of long-term environmental policies.+2
The figures reveal that electric cars made up 22.6 percent of all new car registrations in December. Petrol cars, which have dominated the market for decades, fell to 22.5 percent. This tipping point demonstrates that the era of the internal combustion engine is rapidly drawing to a close in Europe.
Hybrids Dominate as Transition Technology
While EVs have overtaken petrol, the market is currently led by hybrid vehicles. Hybrids accounted for 44 percent of all new car sales in December 2025. This indicates that while consumers are moving away from pure fossil fuels, many are opting for a transitional technology that combines electric power with a traditional engine.+1
This dominance of hybrids suggests a pragmatic shift. Buyers are seeking fuel efficiency and lower emissions but may still be bridging the gap to full electrification. The combined market share of all electrified vehicles (EVs, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids) now represents the vast majority of new car sales. This trend confirms that the European market has decisively turned a corner toward electrification.+1
A Rapidly Changing Market
The surge in EV sales is driven by a combination of factors, including falling prices, improved range, and government incentives. Manufacturers have ramped up production of affordable electric models, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers. This increased availability has helped overcome the initial barriers of cost and anxiety about charging infrastructure.
The decline of petrol cars has been equally stark. Just a few years ago, petrol vehicles accounted for the majority of new car sales. Their market share has now dropped significantly as consumers opt for cleaner, more efficient alternatives. This trend is expected to accelerate as more nations implement bans on the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles. The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) provides detailed monthly data on these registration trends.
Policy Success and Consumer Confidence
This milestone validates the European Union’s aggressive climate policies. The “Fit for 55” package, which aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030, has set clear targets for the automotive sector. These regulations have forced automakers to prioritize electrification or face heavy fines.
The result is a market that is aligning with climate goals faster than anticipated. Consumer confidence in electric technology has grown alongside the expansion of the charging network. As charging stations become as common as gas pumps, the practicality of owning an EV continues to improve. The European Environment Agency tracks the progress of this infrastructure rollout.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The shift to electric vehicles offers profound environmental benefits. By replacing petrol cars with zero-emission alternatives, Europe is reducing its carbon footprint and improving urban air quality. This transition is essential for meeting the continent’s commitment to becoming climate-neutral by 2050.
Economically, the move secures the future of the European automotive industry. By leading in EV technology, European manufacturers remain competitive in a global market that is increasingly turning away from fossil fuels. This industrial pivot creates new high-tech jobs in battery manufacturing and software development. The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) analyzes the economic impacts of these vehicle standards.
Resources
- European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) on Vehicle Registration Data
- European Environment Agency on Electric Vehicle Trends
- International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) on Market Analysis
- International Energy Agency (IEA) on Global EV Outlook
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