Electric car sales across Europe surged by almost a third during the first quarter of 2026, according to new data from trade association E-Mobility Europe and research firm New Automotive.
EV registrations jumped 29.4% across 15 key markets between January and March. These countries account for 94% of all pure EV sales in the EU and European Free Trade Association.
Nearly 560,000 new EVs hit European roads during the three-month period.
The region’s five largest EV markets – Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Poland – each recorded sales growth of more than 40% in the first quarter.
March Sets Record Month
The growth accelerated significantly since the Iran conflict began. March alone saw 240,000 new registrations – a 51.3% jump over the same month last year.
Electric vehicles represented 21.2% of all new car registrations in March.
“March’s surge in electric car sales is one of Europe’s biggest recent gains in energy security, in a month when oil dependence has become a real vulnerability,” said Chris Heron, E-Mobility Europe’s secretary general.
The Iran war has disrupted oil markets and driven petrol and diesel prices up by more than 20%. Earlier data showed increased interest in EVs since the conflict started as drivers sought to cut running costs.
March’s figures confirm this trend.
E-Mobility Europe and New Automotive estimate the EV spike will reduce regional oil consumption by two million barrels per year.
UK Shows Similar Growth
New EV sales in the UK are following the same pattern. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that March’s EV registrations were 24% higher than a year ago.
The month marked the strongest ever performance for UK EV sales, with more than 86,000 new registrations.
New Automotive estimates UK EV registrations grew by almost 13% across the first quarter.
Industry analysts attribute the increase to concerns over fuel price volatility and shifting EV pricing. An average electric car now costs less than an average petrol vehicle.
The data suggests European drivers are accelerating their switch to electric vehicles amid geopolitical uncertainty and rising fuel costs.
