New registrations of battery-electric vehicles in the European Union rose 20.6% year-on-year in February to 158,280 units, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, reflecting continued growth in the region’s transition to electrified mobility.
In the first two months of the year, a total of 312,369 battery-electric cars were registered, marking a 22.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Electric vehicles accounted for 18.8% of all new car registrations during this period, out of a total market of 1.66 million units, which declined by 1.2%.
ACEA said the figures highlight “the continued potential for further growth,” even as overall car demand remains subdued.
Germany remained the largest single market for electric vehicles in Europe, with more than 46,000 new registrations in February, followed by France with 32,370 units. Growth in these markets was partly offset by declines in Belgium (-11.0%) and the Netherlands (-34.9%).
Italy emerged as a notable growth market, registering 12,541 battery-electric vehicles in February, an increase of 81.3% year-on-year. The country overtook both Belgium and the Netherlands in monthly volumes. Denmark also surpassed the Netherlands, with 9,736 registrations and an EV market share of 81% in February.
Other markets showing growth included Spain (8,889 units, +45.4%), Sweden (7,650 units, +11.3%), Portugal (4,732 units, +19.9%) and Austria (4,439 units, +4.9%). Smaller markets such as Croatia, Malta and Lithuania recorded triple-digit growth rates, albeit from low bases.
Across powertrain types, plug-in hybrid vehicles recorded the fastest growth, rising 32.1% to 83,772 units in February. Hybrid vehicles, including mild hybrids, remained the largest segment with 334,791 registrations (+10.1%).
By contrast, internal combustion engine vehicles continued to decline. Petrol car registrations fell 17.9% to 199,910 units, while diesel registrations dropped 12.8% to 70,366 units.
Among manufacturers, Tesla remained a key player in the fully electric segment, registering 13,740 vehicles in the EU in February, up 29.1% year-on-year. In the first two months of the year, Tesla recorded 20,941 registrations, a 16.7% increase.
