In December 2025, fully electric vehicle (EV) sales surpassed those of petrol cars in the European Union for the first time, according to industry data trends. Across the wider European market, including Britain and Norway, battery-electric registrations also overtook petrol, contributing to six consecutive months of year-on-year growth in car sales.

Rising competition from Chinese brands such as BYD, Changan, and Geely is intensifying the market, pushing European manufacturers like Volkswagen and BMW to accelerate the launch of new EV models.

At the same time, the EU proposed easing emissions regulations, effectively delaying a planned 2035 ban on combustion-engine vehicles. Lawmakers cited pressure from automakers grappling with Chinese competition, U.S. tariffs, and challenges in making EVs profitable.

Experts anticipate EV adoption will continue to rise, supported by more affordable models from European brands and national incentive programs.

Europe, highlighted growing consumer acceptance and predicted steady EV sales growth throughout 2026.

Overall, car sales across Europe, Britain, and the European Free Trade Association increased 7.6% to 1.2 million vehicles in December and by 2.4% to 13.3 million in 2025, reaching their highest levels in five years.

Battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles rose 51%, 36.7%, and 5.8% respectively, accounting for 67% of registrations. Tesla’s December sales fell 20.2%, while BYD surged 229.7%.

Analysts note that part of the decline in petrol sales is due to reclassifying some vehicles as mild hybrids, and it may still take several years for pure electric cars to fully overtake combustion-engine models across Europe.