Battery-electric car registrations in the European Union climbed sharply in October, rising 25.7 per cent from the same month last year, as new data showed widening adoption across both major and emerging markets. Figures released by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) indicate the sector continues to gain momentum despite uneven performance among member states.
Between January and October 2025, battery-electric vehicles accounted for 16.4 per cent of all new cars registered in the EU. This marks a significant rise from the 13.2 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024. In total, 1,473,447 electric cars were registered across the EU27 in the first ten months of the year — an increase of more than 301,000.
Germany remained the bloc’s largest electric-vehicle market, contributing over 434,600 registrations and recording one of the strongest growth rates, with EV uptake climbing 39.4 per cent year-on-year. The country’s robust expansion played a central role in lifting the EU’s overall performance.
Several smaller markets also posted standout gains. Slovenia saw EV registrations nearly double with a 99.3 per cent increase, while Slovakia rose 77.5 per cent, Lithuania 62.7 per cent and Bulgaria 58.1 per cent. Analysts say these jumps reflect improving charging networks, national incentives and falling battery prices.
Among the EU’s four biggest economies, Spain registered the sharpest rise, recording an 89.7 per cent jump to 81,100 vehicles. Italy followed with a 26.5 per cent increase, while France posted more modest growth of 5.3 per cent.
Poland recorded the steepest growth rate across the EU, with new EV registrations up 124.6 per cent compared with last year. The total number of vehicles — 30,641 — still represents only 6.4 per cent of the national car market, but the rapid rise signals shifting consumer attitudes and strengthening policy support.
Not all member states recorded gains. EV registrations declined in Croatia, Luxembourg, Malta, Romania and Estonia, where slower infrastructure expansion and changes in subsidies have contributed to weaker demand.
Across all fuel types, the EU car market grew 1.4 per cent in the first ten months of 2025 — the fourth straight month of growth. Hybrid-electric vehicles remained the most popular option for buyers, securing a 34.6 per cent market share. Petrol and diesel models continued their decline, dropping to a combined 36.6 per cent from 46.3 per cent a year earlier.
Among major automakers, Volkswagen Group recorded a 5.1 per cent rise in sales, BMW grew 6.3 per cent and Mercedes posted a 2 per cent increase. Renault registered a 7 per cent jump. Stellantis, Toyota and Hyundai all reported declines, while Tesla’s sales tumbled by nearly 40 per cent. Chinese EV manufacturer BYD saw an almost 240 per cent surge in EU sales, reflecting its rapid expansion in European markets.
