European Passenger Car Registrations Analysis – April 2025
The average share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) among new registrations in Europe rose to 17% in April 2025, marking a 1 percentage point increase from March. Several manufacturer pools experienced decreases in BEV shares, including BMW, Mercedes-Volvo-Polestar, Hyundai, Tesla-Stellantis-Toyota, and Renault, while others saw increases. The Volkswagen pool notably jumped 7 percentage points to achieve a 19% BEV share, surpassing its 2024 average.
Manufacturer Performance and CO2 Emissions
The BMW pool led with a 24% BEV share, followed by Mercedes-Volvo-Polestar at 22%, and Kia at 21%. In contrast, the Hyundai pool lagged behind the European average with a 16% BEV share. CO2 emissions among manufacturer pools averaged 102 g CO2/km in April 2025, remaining 9 g CO2/km above the 93 g CO2/km target for 2025-2027. The Volkswagen pool reduced its target gap by 2 g CO2/km compared to the previous month, while BMW was in compliance with its target. Nissan had the largest gap at 29 g CO2/km above its target.
Market Trends by Country
Total passenger car registrations declined in major markets such as France (-6%), Belgium (-5%), and the Netherlands (-4%) in April 2025 compared to the previous year. Conversely, registrations increased in Austria (+16%), Sweden (+10%), and Czechia (+9%). The combined BEV and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) market share remained steady at 24% year-to-date in 2025. Countries leading in combined BEV and PHEV shares included Norway (96%), Denmark (68%), Sweden (59%), and the Netherlands (53%).
Registration Trends by Owner Type
Private cars accounted for over 40% of new registrations in Europe in 2024, followed by company fleets (36%), and car dealers/manufacturers (14%). Short-term rentals made up 9% of total registrations but showed significant monthly fluctuations.
Spotlight on Spain
Spain saw substantial growth in new BEV and PHEV registrations in 2025, with year-to-date sales up 55% compared to 2024. This growth was partly driven by the government’s Plan Reinicia Auto+, which provides subsidies for new BEVs and PHEVs purchased to replace vehicles lost during the DANA weather event. The Valencian Community recorded a 141% increase in new BEV registrations and a 160% rise in PHEV registrations year-to-date.
The Spanish government also reactivated the MOVES III program in April 2025, offering incentives for purchasing zero- and low-emission vehicles and installing electric vehicle chargers. The program provides up to €7,000 for new electric vehicle purchases when scrapping older vehicles, and covers 70-80% of charger installation costs for private individuals.
