Combustion engines have officially slipped into minority status in the European Union, marking a significant turning point in the region’s automotive market, according to new research from TechGaged.
The analysis shows petrol and diesel vehicles now account for just 36.6 per cent of all new vehicle registrations across the EU this year, while electrified powertrains have surged past the 60 per cent mark. That electrified mix includes conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full battery-electric vehicles.
Hybrids now represent the single largest powertrain category, responsible for 34.6 per cent of all new registrations, with more than three million units sold in 2025 alone. Battery electric vehicles account for 16.4 per cent of the market, while plug-in hybrids sit at 9.1 per cent.
Petrol vehicles, once dominant across Europe, have fallen to just over 31 per cent of new registrations, while diesel continues its long decline, now representing only 9.2 per cent of the market.
TechGaged senior industry analyst Rokas B said Europe had “crossed the point of no return” in its transition away from traditional combustion engines, with electrified powertrains now the mainstream choice for new car buyers.
The EU’s shift comes despite more uneven global trends. While EV demand has softened in some markets, including the United States and Japan, Europe has continued to push ahead. Germany recorded a 39.4 per cent increase in battery electric vehicle sales even after subsidies were reduced, suggesting the transition is increasingly market-driven rather than policy-led.
The report also points to external competitive pressure, with Chinese manufacturers ramping up their European presence through lower-cost electric models, intensifying competition for established brands.
Looking ahead, analysts expect battery electric vehicles to approach 18 to 20 per cent market share in 2026, driven by new affordable models entering the market. Diesel sales are forecast to fall below seven per cent, while petrol is expected to face continued pressure.
The findings underline how rapidly Europe’s new car market is reshaping around electrification.