EVs Outsell Diesel Cars In Europe For The First Time In June

Sales of new electric battery vehicles surpassed diesel car purchases in Europe for the first time last month, but activity remains far below pre-pandemic levels, according to a lobbying group.

According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), the market share for cars powered by electric batteries increased to 15.1% in June, with over 158,000 units sold in the EU.

Most EU markets increased by double or triple digits, with heavyweights Germany, France, and the Netherlands all increasing by more than 50%.

Petrol remained the most popular new car fuel, accounting for 36.3% of the market, with hybrid electric vehicles coming in second at 24.3%.

Automobile manufacturers and consumers are working to shift away from vehicles that run on polluting fossil fuels in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

A scorching heatwave that has engulfed much of Europe this month has heightened fears about the effects of global warming on the planet.

According to the ACEA, new EU car registrations increased by 17.9% in the first six months of 2023, with 5.4 million new units. However, cumulative volumes for the period were 21% lower than in 2019, the last full year before the coronavirus pandemic, which shook the industry and the global economy.

Lockdowns and restrictions on daily life decimated economic activity, while the industry was challenged by disrupted supply chains and inflation as economies reopened.

The EU car market grew 17.8% in June due to a low comparison base last year, "primarily driven by vehicle component shortages," according to the ACEA.

"The recent month's improvements, however, indicate that the European automotive industry is recovering from supply disruptions caused by the pandemic," it added.