Diesel’s Demise: Plug-In Hybrids Now Lead in European Car Sales
Diesel’s demise. Plug-in hybrids now lead in European car sales. For decades, diesel engines dominated European roads. At their peak in the 2010s, they accounted for over half of all new car sales. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically, and for the first time ever, plug-in hybrid vehicles, PHEVs, have surpassed diesel cars in popularity across Europe. This marks a historic turning point driven by tightening emissions standards, financial incentives for greener vehicles, and the lasting impact of emission scandals. The shift in market share through the first 10 months of 2025, PHEVs hold a 9.4% market share, while diesel cars lag behind at only 8%. This isn’t a sudden change. By the end of Q2, PHEVs were already ahead and the gap continues to widen. The decline of diesel is now undeniable. It’s unlikely to regain a top three position in the market. The key takeaway, diesel’s fall isn’t just a trend, it’s a structural shift. The industry and consumer preferences have fundamentally changed. Why diesel lost its grip? Several factors contributed to this outcome. Emissions regulations. Stricter rules pushed automakers toward cleaner alternatives like hybrids and EVs. Financial incentives. Governments across Europe incentivized the purchase of electrified vehicles through tax breaks and subsidies. Diesel gate fallout. Volkswagen’s emissions cheating scandal eroded consumer trust and accelerated the shift away from diesel. Gasoline engine improvements. Modern gasoline engines have become more efficient, narrowing the gap with diesels. Future bans. The EU plans to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine ICE cars by 2035, further discouraging diesel investment. The result is that small diesel cars, once common in models like the VW Polo and Renault Cleo, are now largely unavailable. The industry has moved on. Hybrids lead EVs close behind. Currently, hybrids, including PHEVs, account for over a third, 34.7% of new car registrations in the EU plus FA plus UK region. Gasoline cars follow with 26.9% and electric vehicles, EVs, hold 18.3%. The trend is clear. Electrification is accelerating. affordable Chinese imports and new models from established automakers like Renault with the Twingo E Tech Electric and Volkswagen with the upcoming ID. Polo will further fuel EV adoption. The future of automotive the dominance of diesel is over. The transition to electric and hybrid vehicles is irreversible, driven by regulation, consumer demand, and technological advancements. The decline of diesel isn’t just a business story. It’s a reflection of a broader commitment to sustainability in the automotive industry.
Read more here: https://1ca.com.ua/uk-uavpershe-gibridi-scho-pidkljuchajutsja-do-elektromerezhi/ Diesel’s Demise: Plug-In Hybrids Now Lead in European Car Sales pFor decades, diesel engines dominated European roads. At their peak in the 2010s, they accounted for over half of all new car sales. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically, and for the first time ever, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) have surpassed diesel cars in popularity across Europe. This marks a historic turning point, driven by tighteni…
