Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 31% of new car registrations in Europe in September 2026, with registrations rising 69% year on year, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). Germany and France recorded increases of 95% and 108%, respectively, while Spain saw registrations grow by 71%. The figures cover the European Union, Norway and Iceland.

The ICCT’s September registrations report attributes the accelerating adoption of electric cars to several factors, including EU CO? emission targets, which are encouraging carmakers to invest in electrification and increase production, a wider range of electric models, rising oil prices and national incentives for buyers.

Germany and France reached record monthly BEV market shares of 35% and 42%, respectively. Spain also recorded a new high, with electric cars accounting for 18% of new registrations. Italy and Poland remained behind, with market shares of 8% and 6%, respectively.

Across the Nordic countries, the Netherlands and Belgium, BEV market shares ranged from 49% to 99%. Other markets also recorded high shares, including Ireland at 46%, Luxembourg at 38% and Austria at 34%.

BEV market share reaches 24% in the first nine months

The average BEV market share in Europe reached 24% between January and September 2026, up seven percentage points from the same period a year earlier. According to the ICCT, rising electric car registrations are helping European manufacturers reduce their CO2 emissions.

For the period from January 2025 to September 2026, manufacturer pools established to comply with EU emissions targets were, on average, meeting the CO2 target for 2025–2027. The BYD, Tesla, Porsche, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota and Renault pools, as well as the Nissan brand, were already compliant with the upcoming targets.

By contrast, SAIC and the Stellantis, Hyundai and Volkswagen pools had not yet met the targets, with the Volkswagen pool remaining the furthest from compliance.

ICCT warns of risks to the market’s momentum

Peter Mock, ICCT Europe director, said nine consecutive months of sales growth showed that the European market was ready for electric cars and highlighted the role of EU CO2 targets in shaping manufacturers’ production strategies.

However, Mock warned that the Franco-German agreement announced the previous week could undermine this momentum. Although final decisions remain pending, he said the wrong political signal could slow manufacturers’ efforts to increase production.