Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) captured a record share of European new car registrations in July, fuelling market growth.

Registrations across the Europe-28 markets reached 1.12 million units, up 4% compared with July 2025, according to latest figures from Jato Dynamics.

Growth continued to be driven by electrified powertrains. BEV registrations increased by 51% to 279,800 units, lifting their market share from 17.2% to 24.9%. As such, fully electric cars accounted for almost one in every four new cars registered during the month.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) registrations also performed strongly, rising by 16% to 128,800 units while hybrid (HEV) registrations increased by 7% to 145,300 units.

In contrast, mild hybrid (MHEV) volumes remained broadly stable at 252,300 units while registrations of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles fell by 22% to 302,100 units. Their share of the European market declined from 35.9% in July 2025 to 26.9% in July 2026.

Steffen Michulski, regional consultant Europe at Jato Dynamics, said: “The standout story in July wasn’t overall market growth; it was the speed of BEV expansion. One in four new cars registered in Europe was fully electric, a clear sign that the market’s momentum is shifting decisively towards electrification. The winners are increasingly those with compelling EV line-ups, while combustion continues to move into the background.”

The strongest-performing electric models in July were led by the Škoda Elroq, Volkswagen ID.4 and Renault 5, highlighting how a growing number of mainstream EVs are driving demand across Europe.

Performance varied across Europe’s largest markets. Germany remained the region’s largest market with 268,000 registrations, while Britain and Poland were among the strongest performers, both growing by 12%. Registrations declined in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Northern and Western European markets continued to lead BEV adoption, while hybrids remained more prominent in Southern and Eastern Europe. However, electrified vehicles were the primary source of growth across the majority of Europe’s largest markets.

At brand level, Volkswagen remained Europe’s most-registered car make, despite volumes falling by 4% to 118,700 units. Škoda retained second position with 74,800 registrations, down 3%, while Toyota registrations increased by 4% to 73,600 units.

Renault was among the strongest-performing volume brands, increasing registrations by 11% to 54,800 units. Mercedes-Benz grew by 5%, while Kia and Toyota both increased registrations by 4%. By contrast, Dacia recorded a 13% decline.

A Jato spokesperson added: “July’s results reinforce the increasingly close relationship between brand performance and electrification. Manufacturers with competitive electric and hybrid line-ups continue to gain ground, while those more reliant on conventional combustion vehicles face increasing pressure.”