Registrations for new battery electric vehicles (EVs) increased in several of Europe’s largest auto markets during July, according to data from industry and transport authorities. The growth in EV sales occurred as the overall European car market continued to face challenges and as fuel prices for conventional vehicles remained at elevated levels.
In France, new registrations of fully electric cars rose by 69% in July compared to the same month last year, data from the Plateforme Automobile (PFA) showed. Electric vehicles accounted for 13% of all new car sales in the country during the month.
Germany also saw significant growth, with the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the KBA, reporting a 13.2% year-over-year increase in new battery electric vehicle registrations in July. This contrasted with the total passenger car market in Germany, which declined by 12.9% over the same period. Electric vehicles achieved a market share of 14% for the month.
In the United Kingdom, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that while overall new car registrations fell by 9% in July, battery electric vehicle registrations grew by 9.9%. BEVs captured 10.9% of the market share. Similarly, data from Norway’s Road Federation (OFV) showed that electric cars comprised 70.7% of all new vehicle sales in July, continuing the country’s lead in EV adoption.
The sales figures were recorded during a period of high gasoline and diesel prices across Europe. Concurrently, various national governments have continued to offer subsidies and tax incentives to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. For example, Germany’s environmental bonus provides a subsidy for the purchase of new and used electric cars, a program the government has confirmed will continue with modifications into next year.
Automakers have also expanded the range of available EV models. Companies have introduced vehicles at multiple price points, increasing consumer choice beyond the premium segment that initially dominated the market. This expansion includes more compact and mid-range options from major European and international manufacturers.
According to a report from Schmidt Automotive Research, which analyzes the European auto market, Western Europe saw 124,000 new battery electric vehicle registrations in July. The report noted that this growth brought the total number of new EVs registered in the region to over 965,000 for the first seven months of the year.
