Slackened EV Demand Slashes European Car Sales
August decline is the steepest in more than seven years as consumers grapple with various roadblocks to adoption.

Data provider cites higher sticker prices, low residual value, and confusion over incentives for lower EV demand.
Pexels/Antonio Conte
Demand for electric vehicles fell to a seven-year low in August, pushing down overall new-vehicle sales to the lowest level in more than two years.
Registrations of battery-electric vehicles, or purely electric models, fell 36% year-over-year to 125,000 units, according to Jato Dynamics, which gathered sales data for 28 markets on the continent. That’s the biggest decline in the segment since EV registration recording started in January 2017, according to the company.
The decline brought down EVs’ European market share from about 22% to 17% year-over-year, Jato Dynamics said, and also cut overall new-vehicle sales by 16% year-over-year to about 900,000 units, the steepest decline since June 2022.
“Buyers are still grappling with the pressure to make the switch to electric, and EVs continue to be more expensive than already-pricey combustion engine cars,” said Jato Global Analyst Felipe Munoz in a press release on the monthly results.
Year to date, new-vehicle registrations are up just about 2% year-over-year. “If this trend continues, the end-of-year results could present an overall decline in vehicle registrations,” Munoz said.
Reasons for lower EV demand are varied, but Jato cited higher sticker prices, low residual value, and confusion over incentives.
LEARN MORE: BMW App Gets ICE Owners Thinking About EVs
More Industry

Hyundai Ventures Aim for Deeper AI Dive
The automaker announced partnerships with several technology industry leaders to pursue an ambitious plan for integrating AI into its manufacturing and well beyond automotive.
Read More →
Early Intervention Saves Retention
Sales and service departments have the highest annual dealership turnover rates, according to a new industry report, costing money and time that could be better spent elsewhere.
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 →
California Launches EV Rebate Program
Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.
Read More →
UN Advances Fully Autonomous Vehicle Framework
While such cars aren’t on the public market yet, the United Nations established a safety-focused regulatory framework that's endorsed by the U.S.
Read More →
Another Carmaker Embraces Robots
Mitsubishi and a Japan-based startup plan to make humanoids at a home-country factory to use in auto manufacturing and to sell to others.
Read More →
Auto Workforce Impacted by Skills Gaps
The transition to electric vehicles has impacted the automotive workforce in many ways, including the need for education and skills training on emerging technologies.
Read More →
Auto Group Transitions to Employee Ownership
An Ohio-based automotive group transitioned to 100% employee ownership, or an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, with the stated intent of supporting its legacy and growth.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Early Service Introductions
In this video, Josh Krach explains how early service introductions can help each department in the dealership.
Read More →