Overview
- EU new‑car registrations grew modestly in May as battery‑electric vehicle (BEV) sales jumped about 43 percent to roughly 203,400 units, lifting BEV share for the year to about 20 percent.
- Hybrid models are now the single largest powertrain, accounting for roughly 37.8 percent of May registrations while pure petrol and diesel registrations fell by about one fifth.
- Ernst & Young analysis shows Chinese manufacturers raised their combined EU market share from about 6 percent to roughly 9 percent year‑to‑date as brands such as BYD, Chery and Leapmotor expanded sales.
- China’s home market is weakening at the same time, with CPCA data showing May sales down about 22 percent and Beijing beginning formal consolidation by withdrawing licenses from several small makers.
- Industry groups and analysts warn the EV surge is heavily supported by subsidies and tax incentives, a dynamic that is pressuring established European carmakers and could prompt more factory, pricing and policy shifts.