The automotive market in the European Union started 2026 with a slight contraction, recording a drop of 1.2% in new registrations until February, compared to the same period of the previous year. Nevertheless, electrified vehicles continue to gain traction, with battery electric vehicles reaching a market share of 18.8%.
Electrics grow and hybrids lead preferences
In the first two months of the year, 312,369 fully electric cars were registered, reinforcing their presence in the European market compared to the 15.2% recorded in 2025.
Hybrids, however, continue to be the most popular choice among consumers, representing 38.7% of registrations. Plug-in hybrids have consolidated their growth, reaching 9.8% of the market, up from 7.4% recorded in the same period of the previous year.
Uneven performance in major markets
Among the largest European markets, responsible for 61% of electric registrations, the results were mixed. France (+38.5%) and Germany (+26.3%) recorded strong growth, while Belgium (-11%) and the Netherlands (-34.9%) showed significant declines.
In the case of hybrids, 643,898 units were registered, driven mainly by Italy (+29.5%) and Spain (+13.4%). Germany remained virtually stable (+1.1%), while France recorded a decrease of 3.9%.
Plug-in hybrids also showed strong dynamism, with 162,751 units registered, driven by significant growth in Italy (+116.1%), Spain (+71.5%), and Germany (+23.8%).
Gasoline and diesel continue to decline
Combustion vehicles continue to lose relevance in the European market. Registrations of gasoline cars fell by 23.3%, with declines in all major markets. France led the declines (-48.5%), followed by Germany (-22.8%), Spain (-20.8%), and Italy (-18.6%).
With 374,774 units registered, the market share of gasoline fell to 22.5%, down from 29% the previous year.
Meanwhile, diesel maintained its downward trend, with a reduction of 17.7%, now representing only 8.1% of new registrations in the European Union.
Energy transition accelerates in the automotive sector
The data confirms a structural change in the European market, with electrified vehicles gaining more weight, while traditional powertrains continue to lose ground.
Despite a slight global contraction in sales, the growth of electric and hybrid vehicles reinforces the trend towards transitioning to more sustainable mobility solutions.
