Explore which European countries dominate electric car sales and why others lag. Get the latest EU EV trends and what they mean for the future – read now!
While the European Union pushes automakers toward electrification, electric‑vehicle (EV) sales across the continent are anything but uniform. The northern and western nations sprint ahead, whereas many southern and eastern countries crawl behind.
Norway: The Unstoppable EV Champion
Norway continues to set the benchmark, with EVs accounting for 94% of all new‑car registrations in the first seven months of 2025, according to consultancy Inovev. The Scandinavian state aims for a fully electric fleet, and registrations have risen sharply – 31.5% higher than the same period in 2024 – while plug‑in hybrids fell 14.3% and conventional hybrids plunged 66%.
Western and Nordic Leaders
Following Norway, Denmark posts a strong 64% share of EV sales. Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands each hover around the mid‑30s percent (35%, 34% and 34% respectively), reinforcing the north‑west’s dominance.
Mid‑Tier Performers
Countries such as the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland and Portugal report EV shares between 20% and 22%. A shade lower, France, Germany and Ireland sit at 17%–18%.
Southern and Eastern Europe: The Struggle
In stark contrast, Croatia managed just 1% of new‑car sales as EVs, and a handful of nations – Bulgaria, Slovakia, Romania and Italy – also hover around the 1% mark.
Why the Gap Persists
Wealthier northern economies benefit from generous government subsidies, robust charging‑network investments and, in Norway’s case, a sovereign‑wealth fund financed by oil revenues that underwrites EV incentives. Meanwhile, many southern and eastern markets face higher vehicle prices, sparse charging infrastructure and limited fiscal support, slowing consumer uptake.
EU Policy Shifts
The EU has recently softened its 2035 emission‑reduction targets amid industry pushback, arguing that EV demand is lagging and more time is needed for a transition from internal‑combustion engines. This relaxation could curb funding for charging stations, a critical catalyst for broader adoption. Some manufacturers, such as Renault, are already scaling back EV‑charging plans to protect margins in a tough market.
Hybrid Cars Take the Lead
According to TradingPadia, plug‑in and conventional hybrids together captured 34.8% of all new registrations in Europe in 2025, eclipsing gasoline‑only cars for the first time (27.2%). Pure EVs ranked just behind at 27.3%, signalling a rapid shift toward electrified powertrains across the continent.
Looking Ahead
As the EU balances ambition with economic realities, the disparity between regions is likely to persist unless supportive policies and infrastructure investments are ramped up, especially in the south and east.
Stay informed on the evolving EV landscape and discover how policy, technology and consumer preferences are reshaping Europe’s roads.