At a glance
The European electric vehicle (EV) market continued its dynamic evolution in the first quarter of 2025, with notable developments across the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany.
The Netherlands
In Q1 2025, the Dutch automotive market experienced a 9.8% year-on-year decline in total new car registrations, amounting to 91,766 units. However, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) bucked this trend, with registrations increasing by 7.9% to 32,439 units, elevating their market share to 35.3%. This growth underscores the Netherlands' commitment to electrification, despite broader market challenges.
Belgium
Belgium's EV market demonstrated significant growth, with BEV registrations rising by 37% in Q4 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge is attributed to favorable government incentives, including substantial tax deductions for company cars and subsidies for EV purchases and home charging installations in certain provinces.
France
France's EV market faced challenges in Q1 2025, influenced by policy adjustments. The government reduced its assistance for EV purchases by one-third, allocating €1 billion for 2025, down from €1.5 billion in the previous year. This reduction aims to prioritise support for low-income households but has raised concerns within the automotive industry about potential impacts on sales and emissions targets. Additionally, starting 1 January 2025, France introduced a major regulatory change with the Mobility Orientation Law (LOM). The law mandates that all non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces must have at least one EV charging station installed. This requirement is designed to boost the accessibility of charging infrastructure across the country and is a critical step toward achieving France’s ambitious climate goals.
Germany
Germany's automotive sector is undergoing significant transformations, with the coalition government introducing measures to bolster EV demand. Initiatives include purchase incentives, tax discounts for company cars, and an exemption from vehicle taxes for EVs until 2035. The government is also exploring the conversion of surplus car manufacturing plants for defense production, aiming to address increased military equipment demands. Volkswagen reported a substantial increase in EV sales, more than doubling its BEV deliveries in Europe from 74,400 in Q1 2024 to over 150,000 in Q1 2025. This growth reflects rising consumer demand for electric mobility and the company's expanding EV portfolio.
Market outlook
Despite varying national policies and market conditions, the European EV market is on an upward trajectory. Forecasts suggest a 15.1% year-on-year increase in EV sales across Western and Central Europe in 2025, reaching approximately 3.53 million units. This growth is driven by the introduction of affordable BEV models, such as the Citroën ë-C3 and Fiat Grande Panda, and the rollout of new Chinese EV offerings.
However, challenges persist, including policy uncertainties, infrastructure development needs, and competition from non-European manufacturers. Addressing these issues will be crucial for sustaining momentum toward a more electrified transportation landscape in Europe. Road’s platform is designed to help organisations navigate the complexities of the EV ecosystem, offering seamless integrations, automated billing, and robust customer support, all of which are critical as the demand for EV infrastructure continues to rise. As the market matures, Road’s solutions will play a pivotal role in ensuring that EV operators, automotive companies, and energy providers can scale their offerings while meeting the needs of a rapidly changing industry.
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