Sales of zero-emitters drops

Sales of new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the European Union fell 12 per cent in May compared with the same month a year earlier, according to new figures.

The drop was led by a 30 per cent plunge in Germany, where there has also been a 16 per cent decrease in year-to-date BEV sales after subsidies for buying zero-emitters ended in December.

Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) shows overall new car sales in the bloc fell by three per cent in May compared with a year earlier.

BEVs, plug-in hybrids and hybrids accounted for 48.9 per cent of new passenger car registrations last month, up from 46.2 per cent.

The market share for BEVs alone fell from 13.8 per cent to 12.5 over the same period and hybrids rose to 29.9 per cent from 25 per cent.

ACEA reports mixed fortunes for different marques in May, with sales for Toyota rising 13 per cent and Volkswagen’s registration up 1.6 per cent. 

In contrast, the figures for Stellantis and Renault fell by 6.9 per cent and 5.4 per cent respectively.