Carbon Brief report that sale of EVs exceeded ICE cars in Europe for 2025. In summary – the numbers show a change and this is before the world oil shock price rise in Feb/March 2026
- EV =217,898, up 51% year-on-year from Dec 2024,
- ICE = 216,492, down 19%
The last 4 years shows increasing EV Sales.
Summary of Carbon Brief Article
The December 2025 data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) marks a historic milestone: for the first time ever, monthly sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the European Union surpassed those of standard petrol cars. BEV registrations reached 217,898 units, representing a 51% year-on-year increase, while petrol car sales fell 19% to 216,492 units.
Market Dynamics and Growth of Evs
Throughout 2025, the EV market share grew to 17.4%, up from 13.6% in 2024.
- Total BEV registrations for the year approached 1.9 million units.
- The growth was driven largely by four key markets—Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France—which collectively accounted for 62% of all new EV registrations.
- Petrol car registrations dropped by nearly 19% across the year
- France seeing the most dramatic decline at 32%.
- While “full” hybrids (which cannot be plugged in) remain the largest overall segment of the EU market, vehicles that draw power from the grid—both pure BEVs and plug-in hybrids—are the fastest-growing categories.
Policy Shifts and Industry Pushback
This surge in adoption coincides with a significant shift in EU policy. In late 2025, the EU released an “automotive package” that softened previous ambitions. Rather than a total ban on internal combustion engines (ICE) by 2035, the new proposal targets a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to 2021 levels. This change allows for the continued sale of hybrids and specialized ICE vehicles, provided the remaining 10% of emissions are offset by low-carbon materials or synthetic e-fuels.
Automakers have lobbied for these adjustments, citing a lack of “natural” demand and intense competition from Chinese manufacturers. Indeed, while legacy giants like Volkswagen and Stellantis maintain the largest overall market shares, the competitive landscape is shifting.
Brand Performance of EVs
The report highlights a divergent year for major EV players.
- Tesla’s market share in the EU saw a significant contraction, dropping nearly 38% over the course of 2025, a decline some analysts attribute to controversies surrounding its leadership.
- In contrast, Chinese brand BYD saw rapid expansion, tripling its market share from 0.7% to 1.9% in just one year.
Ultimately, while the industry describes current growth as leaving “room for improvement” to meet long-term climate goals, the 2025 figures represent a fundamental pivot in the European car market from fossil fuels toward electrification.
Exceeding 14% Adoption
RMI say once EVs get to 14%, there is no stopping them.
References
- Analysis: EVs just outsold petrol cars in EU for first time ever. 2026 Carbon Brief. https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-evs-just-outsold-petrol-cars-in-eu-for-first-time-ever/
