Hybrid cars overtake petrol vehicles in EU sales for 1st time

Hybrid cars accounted for 32.8 per cent of total new car sales in the European Union (EU) in September, surpassing petrol-powered vehicles for the first time, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

Despite this shift, overall car sales in the EU fell by 6.1 per cent year-on-year, with major markets like Germany, France, and Italy experiencing stagnation.

The rise in hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales reflects a growing consumer preference for affordable alternatives between fully combustion and all-electric options. In contrast, sales of fully electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars have slowed, partly due to varying green incentive policies across European countries and regulatory efforts to limit cheaper Chinese electric vehicles.

Electrified vehicles—comprising BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs—represented 56.9 per cent of all new passenger car registrations in September, up from 50.3 per cent a year earlier.

While sales of battery electric cars increased by 9.8 per cent year-on-year, year-to-date volumes dropped by 5.8 per cent. HEV sales rose 12.5 per cent, whereas petrol vehicle registrations declined by 17.9 per cent, bringing their market share down to 29.8 per cent.

Among major automakers, Volkswagen reported a modest 0.3 per cent increase in registrations, while Stellantis saw a decline of 27.1 per cent, and Renault’s sales fell by 1.5 per cent.

Attribution: Reuters

Subediting: M. S. Salama