New EV Sales Soar 102% In Europe, Total Car Market Jumps 20%
The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe continues to rise, with new car registrations in the region increasing by 20% in August compared to the same month last year. This surge in sales can be attributed to the growing popularity of EVs across the continent.
According to recent registration data gathered by JATO across 28 European markets, nearly 900,000 new vehicles were registered in Europe in August. Of these, approximately 196,000 were battery-electric vehicles, representing a staggering 102% increase from August 2022. Sales of gasoline-powered vehicles also saw a notable increase of 11%.
The demand for battery-electric vehicles experienced significant growth in several European markets. Belgium witnessed a remarkable 224% increase in EV sales, followed by Greece with a jump of 183%, Luxembourg and Portugal with a rise of 164% each. Germany, in particular, showed a strong affinity for electric vehicles, with registrations increasing by 171%. In fact, Germany alone accounted for 44% of all battery-electric vehicle demand in Europe.
The Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3 remain the top-selling EVs in Europe. In August, 21,549 examples of the Model Y were registered, while 11,943 Model 3s were registered, representing gains of 208% and 307%, respectively. The VW ID.4 secured the third spot with 9,135 registrations, marking a 61% increase, followed by the ID.3 with 6,835 registrations, an 86% increase.
Felipe Munoz, a global analyst at JATO Dynamics, predicts that the Model Y will likely become Europe’s most popular new passenger car by the end of the year. This achievement would be historic as a non-European model leading in Europe.
MG is also reaping the rewards of the growing demand for EVs. In August, MG entered the top 20 brands in Europe, outselling Jeep, Mazda, Mini, and Suzuki. Additionally, MG registered more EVs than Audi, Opel/Vauxhall, Peugeot, Renault, and Skoda. The brand accounted for 69% of all Chinese vehicles sold in Europe, totaling 197,800 sales.
In terms of overall car market performance in Europe, Volkswagen (VW) continues to lead the charge. VW sold a total of 99,266 vehicles in August, marking a 10% increase from the same period last year. Toyota followed closely with 59,132 sales, while BMW secured the third spot with 52,334 sales. Audi and Skoda rounded out the top five with 51,132 and 49,996 sales, respectively. Other notable brands in the top 10 include Mercedes, Peugeot, Renault, Kia, and Hyundai.
The surge in EV sales in Europe reflects the growing awareness and acceptance of electric mobility. With governments and consumers increasingly prioritizing sustainability and environmental consciousness, the demand for EVs is expected to continue its upward trajectory. As automakers continue to introduce new electric models and expand charging infrastructure, the transition to electric mobility in Europe is well underway.