European car market reaches historic milestone: Electric vehicle sales surpass gasoline sales for the first time

According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), in December 2025, sales of all-electric vehicles will surpass sales of gasoline vehicles for the first time, with hybrid vehicles still accounting for the largest share.

The latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) reveals an unprecedented turning point in the European market, with sales of all-electric vehicles officially surpassing gasoline-powered vehicles by December 2025. In the overall transportation landscape, while hybrid vehicles still hold the largest market share, the rise of electric vehicles confirms an irreversible shift.

This result is clear evidence of the energy transition in the transport sector in the European Union, despite debates among policymakers about easing emissions regulations to extend the lifespan of internal combustion engines. According to automotive expert Matthias Schmidt, the decline in all-gasoline vehicles is partly due to the shift towards mild hybrid models, where electric motors play a supporting role to reduce emissions while retaining the internal combustion engine platform.

Commenting on this milestone, Matthias Schmidt said: "It will take about half a decade before purely electric vehicles can completely replace internal combustion engine models on a regional scale across Europe. However, the fact that electric vehicle sales have surpassed gasoline sales is a symbolic start."

Detailed statistics for December 2025 show that all-electric vehicles accounted for 22.6% of total new vehicle registrations, slightly higher than the 22.5% of traditional gasoline vehicles. Meanwhile, hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, continued to dominate the market with a market share of up to 44%, far exceeding the number of vehicles powered solely by batteries. In key markets such as the UK and Norway, electric vehicle sales also recorded consecutive growth for six months compared to the same period last year.

The race for market share in Europe is becoming more intense than ever as long-established domestic brands like Volkswagen and BMW face direct pressure from Chinese rivals such as BYD, Changan, and Geely. Notably, also in December 2025, the European Union announced plans to lift the ban on internal combustion engine vehicles, expected by 2035. This is seen as a concession to pressure from regional automakers struggling to find profitability from electric vehicles amidst increasing US tariffs and the boom in Asian car manufacturers.

Nevertheless, belief in a green future remains strong. Chris Heron, Secretary-General of E-Mobility Europe, emphasized that European automakers need to adapt quickly by launching affordable electric vehicle models, combined with effective government incentives. He stated: "We are all witnessing a positive consumer reception. We are fully confident that electric vehicle sales across Europe will continue to grow in 2026."

Source: VTV