The EU as a whole saw a 34% year-on-year increase in electric vehicle sales, with more than 124,000 units sold. Germany led the charge, registering 34,498 electric cars and doubling its sales compared to the previous year. Despite this growth in electric vehicle sales, the overall car market in the EU faces challenges, with total car sales dropping by 3% to just over 831,000 units in January. Major markets such as Germany, France, and Italy all reported declines in car sales. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), over 11,000 electric cars were registered in the Netherlands, marking a 28% increase from January 2024. This uptick is partly attributed to Dutch companies increasingly requiring employees to use electric company cars over traditional fuel-based models.
In contrast to the surge in electric vehicle sales, the Netherlands saw a 5% decrease in hybrid car sales. Other major European markets, including France, Germany, and Spain, experienced notable increases in hybrid car sales.
The ACEA reported that electric vehicle sales lagged behind in 2024, with a 6% decline in fully electric car sales across the EU. Germany experienced the most significant drop, with a 25% reduction in electric vehicle sales. The reduction in government subsidies for electric vehicles is cited as a possible reason for this downturn, although several subsidies are still available in the Netherlands for electric car registrations.
Despite the overall market decline, the rise in electric vehicle sales highlights a growing trend towards sustainable transportation solutions in Europe.