Europe’s electric vehicle market recorded a strong first half of 2026, with more than 1.2 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) registered across key markets.
According to the latest EV bulletin from New AutoMotive, Fier Automotive and E-Mobility Europe, 1,241,916 BEVs were registered during the first six months of the year, up from 928,800 in the same period in 2025.
June was a record-breaking month, with 275,060 new BEVs registered across 17 major markets. Registrations increased by 39.5% year-on-year, giving electric vehicles a 25.6% market share across those markets and an estimated 27.4% share across the EU.
Several countries achieved record results. France led the major markets with 55,851 registrations and a 29.6% market share, while Spain reached an all-time high of 11.3% with 14,559 registrations. Slovenia and Czechia also recorded their strongest-ever monthly performances.
Other markets including Belgium, Denmark, Portugal and Finland posted record registration volumes.
Growth was particularly strong in Southern and Central Europe. Italy recorded the fastest expansion, with BEV sales rising by 97.9% during the first half of the year. France grew by 61.3%, Germany by 48.6% and Spain by 31%.
The report also found several European countries outperformed China’s June BEV market share of 42.8%. Norway reached 96.5%, Denmark hit 79.1%, Ireland achieved 51.2%, Finland recorded 48.9% and the Netherlands reached 43.5%.
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, said: “These figures put to bed any lingering doubt about the direction of travel. Europe isn’t just keeping pace with the electric transition; it’s now setting the pace globally, outstripping China’s own market share growth in June.”
He added that governments and industry must ensure charging infrastructure and market conditions keep pace with demand.
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