BEVs remain the strongest growth driver in Europe’s automotive sector, far outperforming the overall market, which grew by just 1.9%. As a result, BEVs now account for 18.3% of all new passenger cars, up from 15.4% in 2024.
With 434,627 BEVs sold (+39%), Germany regains its position as Europe’s largest EV market. Although its market share (18.4%) is close to the EU average, sheer volume places it ahead of the UK and France.
Europe’s top three BEV markets in 2025:
- Germany: 434,627 BEVs (+39%)
- United Kingdom: 386,244 BEVs (+29%), 22.4% share
- France: 250,418 BEVs, 18.9% share
The report underscores a growing divergence between Northern Europe’s mature EV markets and the slower adoption seen in Southern and Eastern Europe.
Leaders in BEV penetration
- Norway: 95.1%
- Denmark: 66.5%
- Sweden: 35.5%
- Netherlands: 35.4%
- Belgium: 33.7%
Markets falling behind
- Italy: 5.2%
- Spain: 8.5%
- Poland: 6.4% (despite +125% growth)
- Czech Republic: 5.6%
- Sharp declines: Croatia –43%, Estonia –33%, Romania –19%
Professor Bratzel: “Europe is in a critical transition phase”
CAM Director Stefan Bratzel warns that the EV rollout is being hindered by mixed political signals:
“Consumer uncertainty remains high, fuelled by ideological debates over technology openness and the possible softening of the 2035 combustion engine phase-out. Uncertainty leads to hesitation, and hesitation slows adoption.”
Although easing the 2035 ban might offer short-term financial relief to manufacturers, Bratzel argues it would be strategically damaging:
“Any slowdown in investment in future technologies would be a Pyrrhic victory for the German automotive industry.”
Industry performance: winners and losers
Across all drivetrains, Europe’s automotive market shows clear contrasts:
Winners:
- Volkswagen Group
- BMW
- Renault Group
- Chinese OEMs (+22.5%), led by BYD (+285%)
Losers:
- Stellantis
- Hyundai/Kia
- Toyota
- Tesla (–50% in Europe)
Between January and November, Germany registered 490,368 BEVs, a 41.3% increase.
Key contributors:
- Volkswagen Group: 192,498 BEVs (+81%)
- BMW Group: 51,545 BEVs (+29%)
- Hyundai/Kia: 35,153 BEVs (+39%)
By contrast, Chinese OEMs fell 11%, and Mercedes-Benz remained flat.
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