Europe’s Car Market: EV Surge vs. Fossil Fuel Reliance
BUCHAREST – October 27, 2024 – The European car market presents a study in contrasts, with Norway leading the electric vehicle charge while the rest of the continent still relies heavily on traditional fossil fuels and hybrid systems, according to recent data.
Europe’s Car Market Diverges: Electric Surge vs. Fossil fuel Reliance
While norway leads the charge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption,the broader European market presents a more nuanced picture.In Norway, electric cars constitute a staggering 97% of new car sales, leaving gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles with a mere 3% share. However,across Europe,conventional powertrains still dominate.
Fossil Fuels Still Hold Strong in Europe
According to recent data from JATO Dynamics, out of over 1 million cars registered in Europe in April, 87% still rely on fossil fuels or hybrid systems. This stark contrast highlights the varying paces of EV adoption across different regions.
Brand-Specific Trends
A closer look at individual brands reveals the continued significance of gasoline engines. For the Volkswagen Group, Europe’s largest car manufacturer, gasoline cars account for 53% of new car sales, while electric cars represent 20%. Stellantis, the second-largest producer, sees an even greater reliance on gasoline, with 73% of its new cars powered solely by petrol engines, compared to 14% for electric vehicles.
Did you know? The European Union has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions from transport, aiming for a significant shift towards electric vehicles and other lasting mobility solutions by 2030.
Diesel’s enduring Presence
Despite an overall decline, diesel remains a key player for certain manufacturers. Mercedes-benz stands out, with diesel engines powering 37% of its new car sales in Europe in April, surpassing all other powertrain types. Diesel also maintains a significant presence for BMW, Ford, and Volkswagen, accounting for 24%, 19%, and 18% of their respective new car sales.
Pro Tip: When considering a new car purchase, evaluate your driving needs and local regulations. Electric vehicles offer environmental benefits and potential cost savings in the long run, while gasoline or diesel cars might potentially be more suitable for long-distance travel or areas with limited charging infrastructure.
Volkswagen Tiguan: A Diesel Favorite
Analyzing model-specific data reveals that the Volkswagen Tiguan stands out as a top 10 car in April with a significant proportion of diesel engines. While the Tiguan disappeared from Norwegian dealers in 2023,it remained Europe’s fourth most registered car in April 2025,with 35% of those registrations being diesel models.
Top 10 Cars in Europe (April 2025)
| Rank | Model | Number | Diesel | Gas | Other Drivelines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renault Clio | 18,997 | 15% | 43% | 42% |
| 2 | dacia Sandero | 18,590 | 0% | 45% | 55% |
| 3 | Peugeot 208 | 16,529 | 0% | 90% | 10% |
| 4 | VW Tiguan | 16,227 | 35% | 33% | 32% |
| 5 | Citroen C3 | 16,133 | 0% | 75% | 25% |
| 6 | Toyota Yaris Cross | 15,989 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| 7 | Dacia Duster | 15,900 | 0% | 34% | 65% |
| 8 | VW Golf | 15,575 | 20% | 67% | 13% |
| 9 | VW T-Roc | 15,365 | 16% | 84% | 0% |
| 10 | Toyota Yaris | 15,277 | 0% | 2% | 98% |
| Source: | JATO Dynamics | ||||
