Cars with electric powertrains outsell diesels for first time

For the first time in history, cars with an electrified powertrain have outsold diesel models across Europe.

According to the latest registration figures, 327,800 pure electric or hybrid vehicles were sold compared to 322,400 diesel vehicles in September 2020. Only a decade ago, half of all cars were diesel – it is now 25%.

Although petrol cars still make up 47% of the market, this is down from 59% in September 2019, marking a significant drop and seeing petrol no longer being a majority of vehicles sold.

The figures, from analysts Jato Dynamics, revealed EVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and mild hybrids are now 25.2% of registration figures across Europe.