Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) surpassed petrol-powered cars in Europe for the first time in December, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry. This remarkable shift occurred even as the European Union relaxed regulations, allowing automakers greater leeway to produce vehicles with higher emissions.
According to the latest figures from the European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association (ACEA), overall auto sales grew by 1.8% compared to the previous year, although they have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. However, EV sales saw a substantial increase, with battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales soaring by 51% in December year-over-year. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) also experienced growth, increasing by 36.7%, while conventional petrol hybrids saw a modest 5.8% rise. In contrast, sales of petrol-only cars plummeted by 19.2%, and diesel vehicles fell by 22.4%.
This surge in BEV sales led to a historic moment where these vehicles outsold petrol-only cars across Europe in December. Collectively, BEVs and PHEVs accounted for a third of new car registrations, while petrol-powered hybrids made up an additional third of the market share. Notably, when including non-EU EFTA countries and the UK, BEVs outsold petrol-only cars by 26.3% to 21.7%.
For the full year, BEVs comprised 17.4% of total sales in the EU, while petrol-only cars accounted for 26.6%. The upward trajectory of EV sales is promising, showcasing a transition toward cleaner energy sources. By 2025, renewable energy sources like wind and solar are anticipated to surpass fossil fuels for electricity generation, even in countries with less favorable conditions, such as Germany.
Despite the overall positive outlook for the EV market, not all brands fared well. BYD, a Chinese manufacturer, experienced a remarkable 228% sales increase, growing from 39,000 to 129,000 vehicles sold annually. In stark contrast, Tesla saw a significant downturn, with sales dropping by 37.2%, marking the steepest decline among major manufacturers.
Tesla’s struggles are particularly noteworthy in light of the industry’s rapid growth and the rising popularity of electric vehicles. This discrepancy is attributed to various factors, including market dynamics and management challenges. However, the overall trend indicates a growing acceptance and preference for EVs over traditional fuel vehicles, highlighting a shift toward a more sustainable future in transportation. As Europe moves forward, the rising sales of electric cars signify a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions and fostering a greener automotive landscape.