Electrified powertrains have become the default choice for new-car buyers in the European Union. According to ACEA data released on 28 October 2026, hybrid-electric cars were the single most popular option through September, capturing 36.3% of the EU market. Battery-electric cars took 22.7% (1,931,465 units, up from 16.1% a year earlier) and plug-in hybrids 10.1%, meaning electrified models together exceeded 69% of registrations. By contrast, the combined share of petrol and diesel fell to 28.2%, down from 36.9% a year earlier. Among the largest markets, France (+79.1%), Germany (+58.1%) and Denmark (+40.3%) led BEV growth, while hybrid demand rose on the back of Italy (+20.8%) and Spain (+20.5%). Total EU registrations were up 5.7% year-to-date despite persistent energy-price and geopolitical headwinds. The figures underscore a structural shift away from combustion engines, with hybrids - not pure EVs - currently the volume leader.
Source: European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).
