Electric cars in Europe: sales, trends, and key factors in 2024

The adoption of electric cars is rapidly growing in Europe, driven by government incentives, increased environmental awareness, and technological advancements. However, not all countries report the same level of sales. Some markets, like Norway, are leading the transition, while others still face infrastructural and economic challenges.

In this article, we will analyze which European countries sell the most electric cars, the key factors influencing these sales, and what we can expect in the future.

Electric car sales in Europe: the latest data

In 2024, the electric car sector showed contrasting trends in major European markets. Below is a detailed analysis of the performances recorded in different countries.

• Norway: Confirmed its role as a leader in the transition to electric mobility, with a market share of 91.6%, further consolidating its dominance in electric vehicle adoption.

• Sweden: The percentage of new electric car registrations reached 58.4%, showing an increase compared to the previous year.

• Germany: The German market experienced a significant sales decline, with a 27.4% drop and a total of 380,609 electric vehicles sold. This decrease was largely influenced by the reduction of government incentives for purchasing electric cars.

• United Kingdom: Unlike other European countries, the UK market recorded a 21.4% growth, with 381,970 units sold, positioning itself as the leading European market for electric vehicles.

• France: Experienced a slight decline in sales, with a 2.6% drop and a total of 290,614 units registered in 2024.

• Netherlands: The market share of electric cars reached 35.1% in 2024, continuing to represent a significant portion of the automotive sector.

• Italy: Recorded a slight decline in electric car sales, with a 1% decrease and a total of 65,620 units sold throughout the year.

• Spain: Showed positive growth, with an 11.2% increase compared to 2023, reaching a total of 57,374 registered electric vehicles.

Key observations

These data confirm the overall growth of the electric car market while highlighting contrasting dynamics across different countries. Norway and Sweden have strengthened their leadership positions with particularly high market shares, while Germany and France have experienced a sales decline, partly due to reduced government incentives. In contrast, the United Kingdom has become the largest European market thanks to significant growth. Italy and Spain have shown more contained variations: Spain expanding, while Italy recorded a slight decrease. These trends underline the crucial role of national policies in either promoting or slowing down the adoption of electric mobility.

Norway: a benchmark in electric mobility

Norway stands out as a success story in the adoption of electric vehicles, reaching a market share of 89% in 2024. This remarkable achievement is the result of a well-planned strategy that combines government incentives, infrastructure investments, and changing consumer habits.

Government measures and tax benefits

The Norwegian government has implemented targeted policies to encourage the purchase and use of electric cars, including:

• VAT Exemption: The purchase of electric vehicles is not subject to the 25% VAT, ensuring a competitive price compared to internal combustion models.

• No Registration Tax: Unlike traditional vehicles, electric cars are not subject to registration fees, further reducing the purchase price.

• Additional Benefits: Electric vehicle owners enjoy free or reduced parking fees, access to bus lanes, and discounted or zero tolls and ferry charges.

Expansion of the charging infrastructure

A key element of Norway’s strategy has been the development of an extensive network of charging stations, making the use of electric cars more practical across the country and eliminating concerns about range limitations.

Shifting consumer preferences

The growing interest in sustainable mobility has led Norwegians to favor brands such as Tesla, Volkswagen, and Polestar. This shift is driven not only by increasing environmental awareness but also by the economic benefits derived from government incentives.

Thanks to these policies and strategic investments, Norway has established itself as an exemplary model in the transition to a zero-emission future, demonstrating how the right initiatives can promote large-scale sustainable mobility.

Germany: the powerhouse of Europe’s EV industry

With over 600,000 electric vehicles sold between 2023 and 2024, Germany remains the largest European market for electric cars in absolute numbers. However, the penetration rate of these vehicles remains lower than in countries like Norway, where the transition to sustainable mobility is more advanced.

The automotive industry and the electric transition

Germany is home to some of the world's largest automotive giants, including Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. These companies are investing significant resources in electric vehicle production, achieving noteworthy results:

• Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5 – In March 2024, these two models recorded 2,248 new registrations, ranking among the best-selling electric cars in the country.

• BMW i4 – Represents BMW’s commitment to high-performance electric vehicles.

• Mercedes-Benz EQS – This luxury sedan combines cutting-edge technology and sustainability, positioning itself as a premium option in the electric vehicle market.

Strategies and government incentives

To promote the adoption of electric vehicles, the German government has implemented several financial incentives. However, in 2024, some of these measures were reduced, impacting sales. To counterbalance this trend, new incentives have been introduced, including:

• Tax Deductions for businesses – Companies can benefit from tax breaks of up to 40% on the cost of purchased electric vehicles, retroactively effective from July 1, 2024.

• Charging bonus – Electric car owners can receive a €1,000 incentive for using public charging stations.

Challenges for the future

Despite the progress, Germany faces several obstacles in achieving broader adoption of electric cars:

• Rising energy costs – Germany has some of the highest electricity prices in Europe, a factor that may discourage some consumers from investing in electric vehicles.

• Reduction of incentives – The gradual phasing out of economic benefits could negatively impact the adoption rate of these cars in the near future.

Italy: challenges and opportunities

In 2024, electric vehicles accounted for 4.2% of the market in Italy. While this figure indicates a gradual growth trajectory, it also highlights a market in transformation. What factors influence this transition, and how can change be accelerated?

Targeted incentives and economic accessibility

Government incentives are playing a key role in promoting electric mobility, with a €240 million investment in 2024 to support the purchase of zero-emission vehicles. The high demand quickly exhausted these funds, signaling growing interest that could be sustained with more structured and continuous measures.

Expansion of the charging network

Major Italian cities, such as Milan and Rome, are expanding their charging infrastructure, improving the usability of electric cars. The future goal is to create a more widespread network across the country, addressing the needs of long-distance travelers and those living in less urbanized areas.

A transforming automotive tradition

Italy boasts a unique automotive culture with a deep connection to the industry. Far from being an obstacle, this can be an opportunity for the national sector to evolve, blending design, innovation, and sustainability. Automotive brands are already investing in the electric sector, paving the way for Italy to become a key player in future mobility.

The transition to electric mobility in Europe

Electric car adoption in Europe is growing rapidly, but achieving a full transition to electric mobility by 2035 presents several challenges:

• Development of Charging Infrastructure: Despite the increasing number of charging stations, further expansion is needed to ensure adequate coverage, especially in less urbanized areas.

• Reduction of Battery Costs: The high cost of batteries significantly impacts the final price of electric vehicles. Targeted investments in research and innovation are essential to make these vehicles more affordable.

• Greater Range and Faster Charging Times: Consumers seek vehicles with longer driving ranges and shorter charging times to offer a user experience comparable to traditional vehicles.

The European Union has set a goal to phase out internal combustion engine car sales by 2035 to promote zero-emission mobility. However, debates persist among member states regarding the timeline and implementation of this ban. Despite these challenges, Europe continues to make progress in sustainable mobility, recording increasing electric vehicle sales and investing in the development of crucial technologies and infrastructure for this transformation.