Electric vehicles surpassed gasoline and diesel cars combined for the first time. Europe marked a milestone.

In the EU, electric vehicles surpassed gasoline and diesel cars combined in the third quarter. 13 countries reported record numbers, with hybrids remaining the largest category.

Electric vehicles outpaced gasoline and diesel

The European auto market has experienced a significant shift. In the third quarter of 2026, 710,580 new battery-powered electric vehicles were registered in the European Union. For the first time, this surpassed the total number of conventional gasoline and diesel cars.

492,930 registrations were for gasoline cars, and another 162,610 for diesel cars. In total, that amounts to 655,540 vehicles. Electric vehicles led these two categories by 55,040 vehicles, or approximately eight percent.

Hybrids are counted separately in this overview and continue to have the highest registration volume. Their quarterly figure reached 892,380 vehicles. Electric vehicles were thus 181,800 vehicles behind in this category.

Record quarter for nearly half of the EU

Thirteen out of 27 member states recorded a record number of electric vehicle registrations in the quarter. This shows growing interest across the Union. According to Transport & Environment, battery electric vehicles accounted for 27 percent of registrations in the EU in the third quarter.

From January to September, pure electric vehicles made up 22.7 percent of new registrations in the EU. In the same period last year, it was 16.1 percent. Thus, the increase is nearly seven percentage points.

September itself was strong as well. ICCT reports that electric vehicles accounted for 31 percent of registrations in the EU, Norway, and Iceland, with year-on-year growth of 69 percent. Germany saw a 95 percent increase in September registrations, while France saw an even 108 percent increase.

Consumers have more choices

ICCT attributes this growing interest to several factors. It cites higher oil prices, government incentives, and an expanding range of electric models. Automakers are also driven by European emission targets, which prompt them to increase electric vehicle production.

Consumers today can choose from more affordable models. In addition to Chinese brands such as BYD and Leapmotor, traditional manufacturers are expanding their offerings as well. Electric hatchbacks and crossovers are bringing this type of propulsion to a broader audience.

For further growth, the purchase price, availability of charging infrastructure, and the used car market will be crucial. Quarterly figures already show a significant shift in new car purchases. The pace of further development will also depend on how many households can afford electric vehicles financially.

Sources:

Original text / Elektrickevozy.cz

Transport & Environment

ICCT

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