European EV and Hybrid Registrations Surge in May 2026

New data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) show that total vehicle registrations across the EU, the United Kingdom and EFTA countries rose 3.6% in May 2026, reaching 1,152,523 units. Battery‑electric cars grew 39.1%, plug‑in hybrids 13.2% and conventional hybrids 8.2%, together accounting for more than two‑thirds of all new registrations. Registrations of gasoline and diesel cars each fell about 19%.

Chinese manufacturers continued to gain market share. Leapmotor’s registrations jumped 465.1% in May, while Chery rose 244.1% and BYD 136.6%. The overall share of Chinese brands in the EU market almost doubled, moving from 3.2% to 6% (7.3% including the UK and EFTA). Tesla also posted a strong rebound, with a 107.9% increase in May, delivering 28,610 units and lifting its market share to 2%.

For the first five months of 2026, total new vehicle registrations were up 4.5% year‑on‑year, underscoring accelerating consumer demand for electrified powertrains and intensifying competition from Chinese and electric‑vehicle makers in the European market.