EU electric car registrations jump 62.7% in August

Battery-electric car registrations in the European Union rose 62.7% in August from a year earlier, helping lift the overall market as petrol and diesel registrations fell, according to figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Chinese automotive groups also increased their presence, though estimates of their market share differ depending on geography and how brands are grouped. Battery-electric cars accounted for 27.7% of new EU registrations in August, up from 17.8% a year earlier. Across the first eight months of 2026, they made up 21.7% of registrations, equal to petrol-powered cars and higher than the 15.8% share recorded for electric cars over the same period in 2025. The broader EU market grew 4.5% in August year over year. Registrations were up 5.3% for the first eight months, according to ACEA figures. Hybrids remained the largest powertrain category over that year-to-date period, with a 36.6% share. Petrol and diesel registrations declined in August, while plug-in hybrid and hybrid registrations increased, though reports gave differing growth rates for those categories.