European automakers are rapidly challenging Tesla’s once-unquestioned dominance in the electric vehicle market, marking a significant shift in regional sales dynamics.
The European battery electric vehicle (BEV) market saw robust growth in October, expanding 32.9% compared to the same month last year. A total of 225,399 fully electric units were registered.
This surge pushed the annual market share for these vehicles to 16.4%, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). This cements the continent’s ongoing energy transition.
Volkswagen maintained its leading position with 24,478 units sold, a 27% increase. However, the most significant performances came from Skoda and Renault.
The Czech brand Skoda ascended to second place among brands, reporting a 66% growth in sales. French manufacturer Renault showed the most impressive rise in the top 10, with sales climbing 119% to 17,143 units.
The new Renault 5 E-Tech was a key factor, becoming the second best-selling electric model of the month with 9,590 units sold.
In stark contrast, Tesla experienced a difficult month. Elon Musk’s brand dropped to 13th in the brand rankings, falling out of the European top 10.
Its previously top-selling Model Y also saw a significant decline. It fell to eighth place in model sales, recording a 33.6% decrease.
The ACEA analysis further highlighted broader market changes. While hybrids (HEV) remain the most popular powertrain, capturing 34.6% of the market, traditional combustion engines are losing ground.
Gasoline car sales declined by 18.3%, and diesel sales dropped by 24.5%. These figures indicate a new hierarchy, where established brands are finding success in the electric segment.