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In the dynamic world of electric vehicles (EVs), 2024 saw a significant shift in the European market. The Volkswagen Group consolidated its leadership as the largest manufacturer of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe, maintaining its top position even in the face of rising competition[1][2].
According to the latest data, over 2.96 million EVs were registered in Europe in 2024, marking a 1.8% year-on-year decline[3]. Despite this slight dip, Volkswagen Group continued to dominate the scene, with several of its models ranking among the best-selling electric cars[2].
The group's broad range of models and widespread European presence were key factors in its leadership and growth in the BEV market[1]. Volkswagen surpassed Tesla as the best-selling BEV brand in Europe in the first half of 2025, a continuation of its strong position from 2024[2]. Models like the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.7 contributed significantly to this success.
While Volkswagen and Tesla battled for the top spot, other manufacturers also saw strong growth. BMW secured second place in the European EV market in 2024, with Tesla topping the charts for the third year in a row[3]. Mercedes-Benz improved on its fourth-place finish in 2023 and finished third in the European EV market in 2024[3].
The European EV market saw a mixed bag of results in December 2024. Tesla was the best-selling EV manufacturer with 44,257 registrations, a 13.2% growth year on year[3]. However, BMW fell to second place, with a 16.2% decrease compared to the previous year[3]. Volkswagen took third place, with a 17.3% increase in deliveries[3].
Volvo finished fifth in the European EV market in December 2024, with a 28.1% year-on-year surge[3]. This marked a significant progression for Volvo, which finished sixth in 2023[3]. On the other hand, Hyundai experienced a 14.6% decline, finishing tenth in December 2024[3].
The decline in overall EV registrations in Europe was partly offset by the increase in the share of BEVs. BEVs accounted for 67.7% of all plug-in registrations in 2024, up 0.6 percentage points from 2023[3]. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) captured 32.3% of the European EV market in 2024, down from 32.9%[3].
Other notable performances included Renault, which saw volumes surge 62.5% in December 2024, benefiting from a strong month for the Renault 5[3]. Volvo finished 2024 in fourth place in the European EV market, a significant progression from its sixth-place finish in 2023[3].
Meanwhile, Skoda moved up two places in the European EV market in December 2024, with 101,629 deliveries, a 4.1% increase from the previous reporting period[3]. Peugeot finished eighth in the European EV market in December 2024 with a 10.9% decrease from the previous year[3]. Kia finished seventh in the European EV market in December 2024 with a 13% decline from the previous year[3].
In summary, 2024 was a year of change and competition in the European EV market. Despite a slight decline in overall registrations, the market continued to grow, with BEVs gaining more market share. Volkswagen Group remained the top EV manufacturer, maintaining its lead into 2025 despite rising competition from Tesla and new entrants like BYD[1][2][4].
- Embracing the changing lifestyle trends, technology has been instrumental in transforming the automotive industry, as evidenced by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe.
- The Volkswagen Group's continued dominance in the European market for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is not just about cars; it's about leveraging technology to create a sustainable lifestyle that appeals to a growing number of consumers.
