Europeans Also More Interested in Hybrids

Hybrid vehicle sales growth in April far exceeded that of all-electric models in Europe, continuing a trend on the continent that’s been mirrored in the U.S.

Hybrid registrations jumped 33% in the European Union, boosting their share of all vehicle sales from 25% to 29%, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, or ACEA. France, Spain, Germany and Italy led hybrid sales with double-digit increases. Fully electric sales, though they grew far less, still had a healthy 15% bump.

Overall new-vehicle sales grew 14% to nearly 914,000 units, part of the increase due to this April having two additional selling days that last year’s, ACEA said. All major markets experienced increases.

Electric vehicles’ share of the market was flat year-over-year at about 12% as hybrids have taken off. A similar pattern has developed in the U.S. as early adoption has passed and mass-market consumers have been slow to follow in the big numbers manufacturers had bargained on. Automakers have consequently pulled back on previously ambitious all-electric lineup plans to refocus on hybrids.

In Europe, gas-powered model registrations rose 7% in April, though their market share fell by 2% year-over-year to 36%, ACEA said. Diesel model sales were flat, or about 13% of market share.

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