Record e-car sales in the EU, 720,000 sold in the second quarter of 2025

Brussels (ANSA) – Europe is trying to keep up in the race for electric vehicles and, despite the long and intense negotiations between the automotive sector and the executive of Ursula von der Leyen for a smoother transition, it is marking an initial peak. In the second quarter of last year, more than 720,000 new electric and hybrid vehicles were sold on the continent, an increase of 27% compared to sales recorded between April and June of the previous year.

“A historic record,” claims the European Commission as it publishes the quarterly report on European electricity markets. The figure translates into a market share of 23%, more than double the performance of the United States (10%) but still a vast distance from China (57%). Driving the growth are above all the Northern countries, led by Sweden which – on its own – recorded 62% of the electric or plug-in hybrid cars sold in the quarter.

Next come the markets of Denmark (60%), Finland (54%) and the Netherlands (52%), where more than half of sales concern electrified vehicles. In absolute terms – a reflection of the size of their respective economies – Germany confirms itself as the main continental market, with over 210,000 electric vehicles registered between April and June 2025. Next is France, where in the same period sales exceeded 104,000 units.

The bet on electric vehicles made in Europe, according to the forecasts of the Berlaymont, will continue. By 2030 “around 6 million battery electric vehicles will be sold in Europe,” said Kerstin Jorna, Director-General of DG Growth, speaking before the European Parliament. The main challenge, in her words, remains the creation of a battery value chain that is solid and capable of supporting European car production (15 January).