According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have for the first time surpassed diesel cars in sales volumes in the region for the period from January to October 2025. Diesel models now account for only 8% of the total sales of new cars in 27 EU countries, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland (EFTA countries), and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the market share of PHEVs stood at 9.4%, growing by 32.9% compared to the same period last year. Sales of diesel vehicles, in contrast, fell by 24.1% year-on-year.
This marks the final stage in the decline of what was once a promising type of fuel. In 2017, gasoline cars surpassed diesel in sales in Europe. Self-charging hybrids followed suit in 2021, with electric vehicles following them.
Currently, hybrid models lead with a market share of 34.7%, followed by gasoline vehicles at 26.9% and electric vehicles at 18.3%.
Given the constant tightening of emissions regulations, it is not surprising that diesel models are becoming rare. There was a time when even the most compact city cars in Europe, including the tiny Smart ForTwo, were offered with diesel engines. Today, the situation has changed drastically. However, this does not mean the complete disappearance of diesel powertrains - BMW and Audi still offer diesel engines in new models.
Source: ACEA
