Sales of electrified vehicles in Europe reached 1.11 million units in March 2026, the best result in the historical series, growing 25.5% year-on-year, according to data from… European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA)analyzed by DATAGRO in VIP reportElectric vehicles accounted for 70.2% of total sales for the month.
Total market grows seasonally.
The European market sold 1.58 million new cars in March, a 61.5% increase compared to February and 11.6% year-on-year. This volume represents the highest in the historical series and follows the traditional seasonality of the European market. In the first quarter, sales totaled 3.52 million units, growing 4.3% compared to the same period in 2025.
Germany leads sales by country.
Germany maintains its lead with 699,000 units sold in the quarter, representing 19.9% of the total and growing 5.2% year-on-year. The United Kingdom came in second place, with 615,000 vehicles (+5.9%). Other highlights were Italy, with 485,000 units (+9.2%), France, with 402,000 (-2.1%), and Spain, with 301,000 (+7.6%).
Hybrids lead the electrified segment.
Between January and March, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) maintained their lead with 1.35 million units, representing 38.4% of total European sales, growing 11.4% year-on-year. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) totaled 724,000 units (+26.2%), while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) registered 354,000 units (+35.1%). Gasoline models declined 16.8%, to 794,000 units.
War in the Middle East drives electrification.
In the view of DATAGROThe rise in fossil fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East has encouraged the adoption of electrified vehicles, especially battery-powered models. Furthermore, March traditionally sees strong sales due to dealership campaigns during the quarter and milder weather, which favors vehicle circulation.
For more information, visit the VIP Report in analysis section of DATAGRO Portal.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.