More electric cars than diesel vehicles sold in the EU for the first time

In June, electric vehicle (EV) sales outpaced those of diesel for the first time in the European Union, a shift revealed by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

While gasoline and hybrid vehicles remain at the forefront, EVs have seen a notable market share jump from 10.7% to 15.1% within a year, with 158,000 units sold.

These sales were primarily driven by the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Belgium, with Tesla and Volkswagen leading the charge.

Despite strong sales in certain regions, diesel vehicles are experiencing a decline, now constituting 13.4% of sales.

The decreasing interest in diesel is attributed to low buying incentives and increasing fuel costs.

The EU ratified its transition to a 100% emission-free market by 2035 last spring, aligning with its climate change targets.

Hybrid vehicles, which produce fewer emissions and offer purchase rebates, have also seen an uptick in sales, representing 24.3% of the market.

However, rechargeable hybrid sales have dropped, now making up 7.9% of the market. Gasoline remains the EU’s predominant fuel for new vehicles, comprising 36.3% of sales.

Overall, the first half of 2023 saw a year-on-year increase of 17.9% in new car sales across Europe.

Despite this, with 5.4 million vehicles sold, the market is still 21% lower than the first half of 2019, pre-pandemic.

This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error