Netherlands, 30 August 2025: Europe’s shift to electric mobility is gaining momentum at record speed. The latest figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the industry body representing Europe’s leading carmakers, show that more than 1,011,900 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered in the EU during the first seven months of 2025, a milestone that underscores how quickly electric cars are moving into the mainstream.

This translates to a 15.6% share of the passenger car market, up from 12.5% a year earlier. When extending the scope to include the EU, EFTA, and the United Kingdom, the figures are even more striking. BEVs accounted for 17.2% of new car sales across Europe as a whole, underscoring the strong influence of markets such as Norway, Switzerland, and the UK.

The milestone marks a decisive moment in Europe’s automotive landscape. Electric vehicles are no longer limited to early adopters; they are steadily entering the mainstream. In July 2025 alone, BEVs matched their seven-month share of 15.6%, compared to just 12.1% in the same month last year. At the same time, diesel cars' share dropped to a mere 9.5%, highlighting the sharp decline of traditional combustion engines. 

Electrification dominates Europe’s auto market, with BEVs surging ahead and hybrids holding 34.7% of registrations. This means that more than half of all new cars sold in the EU today are at least partially electric, cementing the shift away from combustion.

National performance continues to vary widely. Germany led the way with a 38.4% surge in BEV registrations, reinforcing its role as Europe’s largest and most dynamic electric market. Belgium posted a strong growth of 17.6%, while the Netherlands achieved a steady 6.5% increase. 

France is showing signs of renewed momentum. July registrations climbed 14.8%, signalling a strong rebound, and new policies such as social leasing, updated ecological bonuses, and the launch of models like the Renault 5 E-Tech are set to accelerate adoption in the months ahead. With these measures in place, demand is expected to strengthen in the second half of 2025, positioning France for a more dynamic year-end performance.

Plug-in hybrids also strengthened their presence, with registrations rising to 561,190 units for an 8.6% market share, up from 6.9% last year. Southern Europe was the main growth driver, with Spain (+94.5%), Italy (+60.3%), and Germany (+59.2%) all showing exceptional gains.

The European car market is undergoing its fastest transformation in decades. Surpassing one million BEV sales in just seven months demonstrates that electric mobility is no longer on the margins but at the heart of the industry’s evolution. Yet the uneven pace across countries, the continued dominance of hybrids, and the pressure of regulatory deadlines reveal a complex path ahead. What remains clear is that Europe’s shift toward a fully electric future is both inevitable and accelerating, setting the stage for a new era in mobility.