KATHMANDU: Sales of fully electric cars surpassed petrol vehicles in the European Union for the first time in December, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
Battery-electric vehicle registrations also exceeded petrol car sales across the wider European market, including Britain and Norway. Overall car sales in the region grew year-on-year for the sixth straight month.
Competition in Europe is intensifying as Chinese brands such as BYD, Changan, and Geely expand their presence. European manufacturers, including Volkswagen and BMW, are launching new electric models to defend market share.
In December, the EU proposed easing emissions rules. The bloc also outlined plans to drop the effective 2035 ban on combustion-engine cars, following pressure from automakers facing high costs and strong foreign competition.
Industry experts expect electric vehicles to keep increasing their share in Europe. EV sales are expected to grow further in 2026.
In December, registrations for Volkswagen rose 10.2 percent. Stellantis saw a 4.5 percent increase. Renault registrations fell 2.2 percent.
Tesla registrations declined 20.2 percent during the month. BYD registrations surged by 229.7 percent.
Total car sales in the EU, Britain, and the European Free Trade Association rose 7.6 percent in December to 1.2 million units. Full-year sales increased 2.4 percent to 13.3 million vehicles in 2025.
This marked the highest annual volume in five years. Sales remained below pre-pandemic levels.
Tesla records worst performance among automakers in 2025 despite EVs outselling petrol cars, BYD led the electric sales surge in Europe.
