Electric cars have overtaken diesel in Europe

In December 2021, sales of 100% electric new cars for the first time surpassed those of diesel in the European continent.

No one can ignore that the automotive market has begun its transition. Diesel has been declining for several years, in favor of electrified and especially electric models. But we did not expect such a rapid shift.

A diesel losing momentum in the face of the electric wave

According to the Financial Times, December 2021 sales surprised analysts. With 176,000 units in Western Europe, electric cars outpaced diesel, which totaled only 160,000 units. This is a first in market history.

This trend is attributed to the German market, supports the British media, which accounts for a quarter of these figures. Across the Rhine, authorities are planning to revise diesel taxation, currently offering it at a price 14 cents lower than petrol.

Meanwhile, the Swiss Touring Club had already responded to the electric phenomenon. “Considering ongoing technological advances, increased social acceptance, and the ever-growing range of electric vehicle models, the development of electromobility is progressing faster than expected,” announced TCS in November 2021.

The Belgian association FEBIAC also echoed this: “The automotive sector is heavily investing in the development and marketing of electrified products,” she states, “a concerted effort reflected not only in new car registrations but also in an expanding product range.”

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Germany and the UK leading the way

However, there are disparities between countries. In France, diesel is still in front with 17.4% of the market in December compared to 14.6% electric. The number one country, Germany, has already seen the transition, with 21.3% battery-powered vehicles versus 15.7% diesel.

Switzerland performs even better with electric vehicles (22.9%), as does the United Kingdom (25.5%), where diesel accounts for around 10%. The latter still resists in Belgium, with nearly 24% of sales, as well as in Spain and Italy with 20%, while electric is negligible (around 5%).

In Europe, Norway remains the leader in electric vehicles, with 2 out of 3 cars being electric, while diesel disappears at 3.5%. The country aims to end thermal engine use by 2025, ten years ahead of the European Union’s target.

Also read: Why is electric mobility struggling to convince the French?