EVs Gain Traction in Europe
First-quarter auto sales increased as more consumers took advantage of government incentives. Hybrid deliveries are leading the way on the electrifieds boom.
Most European countries offer some EV incentives, including breaks that encourage automakers to produce EVs.
Mercedes
As the U.S. has backed away from incentivizing electric-vehicle adoption, Europe is headed in the opposite direction.
First-quarter new-vehicle registrations in the European Union rose 4%, buoyed by a March tide of sales, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, or ACEA.
The demand was spurred by new and tweaked government tax breaks and other incentives for electrified models, according to the trade group, which represents 17 automakers on the continent.
Purely electric vehicles took 19% of market share in the quarter, up from 15% a year earlier, ACEA reported. Hybrids stole the early 2026 show, though, taking a 39% share. But plug-in hybrid sales also rose, up about two percentage points to 10%.
Meanwhile, the combined gas and diesel segments fell sharply from 38% to 30%.
Most European countries offer some EV incentives, including breaks that encourage automakers to produce EVs, ACEA said. About half of EU member countries also offer EV charging infrastructure incentives.
The Trump administration pushed for the end of a federal consumer tax break for EV purchases and leases that had increased demand here. The credit expired on Oct. 1, followed by a drop in EV sales, though the U.S.-Israel war in Iran’s effect on gas prices may help reverse the trend.
More Showroom
New-Vehicle Prices Stay Put
Affordability pressures and model availability shaped new-vehicle sales in September, according to an analysis by Kelley Blue Book.
Read More →
EV Buyer Consideration Shifts
What drives American consumers to purchase an electric vehicle is shifting as the question moves away from Should I?' to 'Which features and experience do I want to have?'
Read More →
Year-to-Date Auto Sales Holding Their Own
A forecast through August shows that automakers have shifted strategies to keep deliveries and revenues up despite tariffs and other economic challenges.
Read More →
Slow to Robo
Ten years of polling consumers shows autonomous vehicles’ profiles have risen considerably, but even more people now want at least some level of control if they go that route.
Read More →
Dealers a Little Down
A third-quarter Cox Automotive survey finds them in a mixed mood, bummed by fallen customer traffic but encouraged by better profits, costs and EV interest.
Read More →
European EV Sales Skyrocket
The EV market on the continent held strong in July with almost 25% of new-car sales being fully electric units, a stark contrast to the U.S., where EV sales declined about 42%.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Used Lots Getting the Business
Many consumers are seeking out the units to save money, and the demand – higher in July than normal – is keeping supply limited and prices up.
Read More →
Used Market Stabilizes
The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.
Read More →
California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →