Electric Cars Outsell Petrol in EU for First Time

For the first time ever, European drivers bought more fully electric cars than petrol vehicles in a single month, signaling a major turning point in the continent's shift to cleaner transportation.

December 2025 sales data from the European Union, Britain, and nearby countries showed electric vehicles claiming the top spot over traditional petrol cars. This milestone arrived even as policymakers discussed loosening strict emissions rules that had pushed the auto industry toward electric.

The numbers tell a story of rapid change. Battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid cars together made up 67% of all December registrations, jumping from 57.8% the year before. Battery electric vehicles alone saw registrations surge 51% compared to December 2024.

Overall car sales across Europe reached their highest levels in five years, with 13.3 million vehicles registered throughout 2025. That's a 2.4% increase over the previous year, showing steady growth even though sales remain below pre-pandemic numbers.

The competitive landscape is shifting too. Tesla lost ground with sales dropping 20.2% in December, while Chinese manufacturer BYD exploded with a 229.7% increase. European giant Volkswagen, the continent's best-selling group, saw registrations climb 10.2%.

The Ripple Effect

This shift reaches far beyond showroom floors. As more Europeans choose electric, charging infrastructure expands, making the switch easier for the next wave of buyers. Auto manufacturers are investing billions in electric technology, creating jobs in battery production and green manufacturing.

The momentum comes despite December's announcement that the EU might abandon its effective 2035 ban on combustion engines. Industry analysts predict electric vehicles will continue gaining popularity regardless of policy changes, driven by consumer choice and technological improvements.

Cities across Europe are already seeing benefits. Lower emissions mean cleaner air in urban centers, where millions of children and elderly residents are most vulnerable to pollution. The transition is happening faster in some areas, with countries like Norway leading the way and others following their example.

European automakers faced tough competition from China and tariff challenges from the United States. Yet they're responding by improving their electric offerings and making them more affordable for average buyers.

The December milestone proves that when given better options, people choose cleaner transportation, creating a healthier future one car sale at a time.