No turning back: in the Netherlands EV market share grows beyond ICE vehicles

In 2024, a total of 381,227 new passenger cars were registered in the Netherlands, a 3.1% increase compared to the previous year (369,631 registrations).

This rise can partly be attributed to a year-end surge in December, during which 37,087 cars were registered — a 40.3% increase from December 2023 (26,439 registrations).

These figures are based on the latest data from RAI Association, BOVAG, and RDC.

Increase in new passenger car sales

In 2024, the market share of cars with (partially) electric drivetrains grew slightly compared to vehicles with conventional internal combustion engines.

This was also the last year consumers could apply for subsidies for electric cars.

The market shares by fuel type for new car sales in 2024 were as follows:

• Hybrid: 159,705 registrations, 41.9% market share (37.1% in 2023)
• Full electric vehicles (EVs): 132,166 registrations, 34.7% market share (30.8% in 2023)
• Petrol: 83,408 registrations, 21.9% market share (30.4% in 2023)
• Diesel: 3,763 registrations, 1.0% market share (1.1% in 2023)
• LPG: 2,185 registrations, 0.6% market share (0.6% in 2023)

Sustainable Fleet Transformation

A snapshot of the current vehicle fleet paints a different picture.

Petrol cars remain dominant, with 6,975,013 vehicles, accounting for 75.1% of the market.

This is followed by hybrids (1,021,626, 11%), diesels (691,208, 7.4%), and EVs (498,901, 5.4%).

New vehicle sales, particularly in the commercial market, are the main drivers of fleet sustainability.

Bert de Kroon, Chairman of BOVAG Auto Dealers, says: “It’s encouraging to see EVs strengthening their position in the market despite ongoing uncertainty.”

“While European CO2 standards face criticism and the Netherlands still lacks a long-term vision for electric driving, consistent policies are crucial to maintaining growth in 2025 and keeping climate goals within reach,” he adds.

Hybrids lead the market

With 159,705 registrations, hybrids slightly outperformed fully electric variants.

Hybrid sales were roughly evenly split among HEVs (Hybrid), PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid), and MEVs (Mild Electric Vehicles).

Huub Dubbelman, Chair of the Passenger Cars and Light Commercial Vehicles Section at RAI Association, says: “High registration numbers somewhat mask the fact that current EV sales still lag behind climate ambitions. The transition to fully electric driving remains a challenge.“

He continues: “New HEVs, PHEVs, and MEVs all contribute to better air quality and achieving these goals. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure all forms of electric driving remain attractive and affordable for consumers in the future.”

Top Registered Brands and Models in 2024

Top 5 brands:

1. Kia: 34,841 registrations (9.1% market share)
2. Volvo: 30,955 registrations (8.1% market share)
3. Toyota: 30,739 registrations (8.1% market share)
4. Tesla: 30,006 registrations (7.9% market share)
5. Volkswagen: 26,989 registrations (7.1% market share)

Top 5 models:

1. Tesla Model Y: 19,058 registrations (5.0% market share)
2. Kia Niro: 10,914 registrations (2.9% market share)
3. Volvo EX30: 10,802 registrations (2.8% market share)
4. Tesla Model 3: 10,702 registrations (2.8% market share)
5. Kia Picanto: 8,370 registrations (2.2% market share)

Top 5 EV models:

1. Tesla Model Y: 19,058 registrations (14.4% market share)
2. Volvo EX30: 10,802 registrations (8.2% market share)
3. Tesla Model 3: 10,702 registrations (8.1% market share)
4. Kia Niro: 5,402 registrations (4.1% market share)
5. Volvo XC40: 4,873 registrations (3.7% market share)

Explosive growth in light commercial vehicles

In 2024, 129,878 light commercial vehicles were registered, a remarkable 87.4% increase from 2023.

This surge is largely attributed to the end of the BPM exemption for combustion-engine vans on 1 January 2025, combined with the introduction of zero-emission zones in city centres.

December alone saw 32,734 van registrations — a staggering 621.6% increase compared to December 2023 (4,536 registrations).

According to BOVAG, it will become clearer in January how many of these registered vehicles have been purchased by businesses and are road-ready, versus those registered but unsold.

These vehicles can still be sold as new without BPM in the coming months.

The high number of registrations in 2024 significantly impacts 2025 forecasts, with both industry associations predicting a substantial decline in new commercial vehicle registrations next year.

Read more: eMobility success story: Transdev Nederland achieves 50% zero-emission fleet