For the first time, electrified cars are selling more than gasoline cars. It is the beginning of the inevitable

January 31, 2026 at 03:30 PM UTC
Xataka
Original: ES
For the first time, electrified cars are selling more than gasoline cars. It is the beginning of the inevitable

Europe's automotive landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the unprecedented shift towards electrified vehicles. For the first time, electrified models, encompassing pure electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), have surpassed traditional gasoline-powered cars in new registrations. This pivotal moment, driven by strong performance in countries like Germany and the UK, signals a clear trajectory for the industry towards an electrified future, fundamentally altering consumer choice and automotive manufacturing priorities across the continent. Data from 2025 registrations reveal a nuanced market dynamic, where the overall vehicle registration saw a modest 1.8% increase. However, the substantial growth lies within the powertrain distribution. Hybrids and micro-hybrids (HEVs) now hold the largest market share at 34.5%, followed by gasoline at 26.6%. Pure electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) each command 17.4% of the market. Notably, pure electric vehicle sales experienced a remarkable year-on-year increase of 51%, while plug-in hybrids saw a 36.7% surge, underscoring the accelerating adoption of electric mobility. This transition directly impacts consumers and the broader automotive ecosystem. The declining market share of pure gasoline (down nearly 20%) and diesel vehicles (down 24.2%) indicates a substantial consumer preference shift and places pressure on manufacturers to accelerate their electric strategies. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and France are leading the charge in BEV adoption, while Spain shows significant growth in hybrid and plug-in hybrid segments, illustrating varied regional adoption rates. This evolving market necessitates significant investment in charging infrastructure and battery technology, influencing employment and industrial policy across Europe.

Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.

Source Information

Publication: Xataka
Published: January 31, 2026 at 03:30 PM UTC
All rights remain with the original publisher.

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