European Car Registrations Rise 3.6% in May as EV Sales Jump

com reported, citing data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Electric vehicle sales climbed 39.1% year on year in May, according to the same association, while earlier figures from E-Mobility and New Automotive showed a 34% rise.

Plug-in hybrid sales increased 13.2% and hybrid sales rose 8.2%.

Gasoline and diesel car sales declined. Chinese brands recorded the strongest growth. Leapmotor’s European sales rose 465%, Chery’s increased 244% and BYD’s grew 137%. European carmakers posted modest sales declines.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association stated that the market benefited from robust consumer demand for electrified technologies across key European markets, sustained by new and revised tax benefits and incentive schemes. Higher fuel prices amid the Middle Eastern war contributed to the rise in EV sales. Demand for second-hand electric vehicles in Europe is strong.

A former Nissan executive stated that consumer interest in EVs is clearly stimulated by low-cost, very good Chinese cars arriving on the market.