The transition to all-electric vehicles is accelerating. By 2025, sales of fossil fuel vehicles had fallen dramatically in Europe, representing only a third of registrations, compared to nearly half a year earlier. Conversely, electric and hybrid vehicles experienced marked growth, driving the entire market upward.
Internal combustion engines in freefall, electric vehicles on the rise
With a market share of only 35,5%, gasoline and diesel cars are seeing their dominance wane. Gasoline models, while still the majority among internal combustion engines, fell by 18,7%, to 2,88 million units. Their share thus dropped from 33% to 26,6%. Diesel continues its decline: down 24,2% in one year, representing only 8,9% of the market.
The trend is particularly pronounced in France, where sales of gasoline-powered cars have plummeted by 32%, followed by Germany (-21,6%), Italy (-18,2%), and Spain (-16%). This decline coincides with the explosion in sales of electric vehicles, driven by the expansion of available options and government incentives.
Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly common.
The number of fully electric cars is projected to jump by nearly 30% in 2025, reaching 1,88 million registrations, representing a 17,4% market share (compared to 13,6% in 2024). The most dramatic increase was seen in Spain (+77%), followed by Germany (+43,2%). In France, growth remained more modest (+12,5%), but was part of a broader continental trend.
Non-plug-in hybrids remain the best-selling powertrain in Europe, with 3,7 million vehicles, representing just over a third of the market. Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, are growing even faster: a 9,4% increase in market share, with one million units sold. The only notable exception is France, where their sales have declined by 26%.
2030 target: industry facing climate pressure
For the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), these figures show a logical but still insufficient trend. By 2030, the share of battery electric vehicles will have to triple to meet CO₂ reduction targets. Otherwise, manufacturers will face severe penalties.
Between market changes, new consumption habits and an increasingly restrictive regulatory framework, the electrification of the European car fleet now seems irreversible.
