28.08.2026

Electric vehicle registrations boost European new car market accounting for one in every four models sold

  • European new car registrations increased by 4% in July
  • BEV registrations rose by 51%, accounting for almost one in four new cars registered
  • Renault was the fastest-growing brand among Europe’s ten most-registered car makes

Europe’s new passenger car market maintained its positive momentum in July 2026. According to JATO Dynamics data, registrations reached 1.12 million units, up 4% compared with July 2025.

Growth continued to be driven by electrified powertrains. BEV registrations increased by 51% to 279,800 units, lifting their market share from 17.2% to 24.9%. Fully electric cars therefore accounted for almost one in every four new cars registered during the month.


PHEV registrations also performed strongly, rising by 16% to 128,800 units. HEV registrations increased by 7% to 145,300 units, while MHEV volumes remained broadly stable at 252,300 units.
In contrast, registrations of conventional combustion vehicles fell by 22% to 302,100 units. Their share of the European market declined from 35.9% in July 2025 to 26.9% in July 2026.
The strongest-performing electric models in July were led by the Skoda Elroq, Volkswagen ID.4 and Renault 5, highlighting how a growing number of mainstream EVs are driving demand across Europe.


Steffen Michulski, Regional Consultant Europe at JATO Dynamics, said: “The standout story in July wasn’t overall market growth, it was the speed of BEV expansion. One in four new cars registered in Europe was fully electric, a clear sign that the market’s momentum is shifting decisively towards electrification. The winners are increasingly those with compelling EV line-ups, while combustion continues to move into the background.”

Performance varied across Europe's largest markets. Germany remained the region's largest market with 268,000 registrations, while Great Britain and Poland were among the strongest performers, both growing by 12%. Registrations declined in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Northern and Western European markets continued to lead BEV adoption, while hybrids remained more prominent in Southern and Eastern Europe. However, electrified vehicles were the primary source of growth across the majority of Europe’s largest markets.

At brand level, Volkswagen remained Europe’s most-registered car make, despite volumes falling by 4% to 118,700 units. Skoda retained second position with 74,800 registrations, down 3%, while Toyota registrations increased by 4% to 73,600 units.

 


Renault was among the strongest-performing volume brands, increasing registrations by 11% to 54,800 units. Mercedes-Benz grew by 5%, while Kia and Toyota both increased registrations by 4%. By contrast, Dacia recorded a 13% decline, underlining the growing advantage of brands with competitive electrified portfolios.

July’s results reinforce the increasingly close relationship between brand performance and electrification. Manufacturers with competitive electric and hybrid line-ups continue to gain ground, while those more reliant on conventional combustion vehicles face increasing pressure.

-ENDS-

 

For full rankings, detailed analysis or media enquiries please contact Laura Cameron: laura.cameron@jato.com

 

About JATO

Founded in 1984, JATO Dynamics is the world’s leading provider of automotive market intelligence. Operating across more than 50 markets worldwide, JATO delivers accurate data and insights on vehicle specifications, pricing, sales and registrations, powering data-driven decisions across the global automotive industry.

Trusted by manufacturers, retailers, leasing and financial services organisations, JATO’s insights support everything from vehicle comparison and digital retail optimisation to the identification of regional and global market trends.