Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have officially surpassed diesel cars in European sales for the first time, marking a historic shift in the region’s automotive trends.
According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), PHEVs captured 9.4% of all new-car registrations between January and October 2025 across the EU, EFTA countries and the UK, nudging ahead of diesel vehicles, which fell to 8% of the market. The reversal underscores diesel’s rapid decline from its longtime dominance in Europe’s car market.

Diesel vehicles have been losing ground for nearly a decade, driven by tighter emissions rules, the fallout from major emissions scandals, and growing consumer preference for cleaner alternatives. As diesel demand waned, buyers increasingly turned to petrol models, then hybrids, and now electrified options such as PHEVs and full battery-electric vehicles.
Industry analysts say the rise of PHEVs reflects their appeal as a middle-ground solution — offering electric-only driving for short distances while retaining the long-range convenience of traditional engines. The trend also signals Europe’s broader shift toward lower-emission mobility, with diesel expected to continue its slide into a niche segment or potential phase-out.
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