The European automotive market demonstrated resilience in April 2025, with the latest European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) data revealing a complex landscape where plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are experiencing a remarkable resurgence alongside continued battery electric vehicle expansion, though there are some important regional variations. Some Western Europe markets showed considerable growth, with Germany and Spain leading. Even in Romania the growth was sizable, writes eToro analyst for Romania, Bogdan Maioreanu. .
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have emerged as a compelling growth story within Europe’s electrification narrative, capturing 7.9% of the total EU market share in the first four months of 2025, representing a notable increase from 7.2% during the corresponding period in 2024. The segment recorded 287,850 unit registrations through April, marking a 7.8% year-to-date growth that accelerated to an impressive 31.2% year-on-year increase in April alone. This performance suggests that PHEVs are finding their sweet spot among consumers who desire electrification benefits while maintaining range flexibility.
The geographic distribution of PHEV growth reveals strategic market dynamics, with Germany leading the charge at 46.6% growth and Spain following closely at 42.8%, if we compare the registration in the period January – April this year to 2024. But strictly in April 2025 versus the same month last year shows that the registrations of PHEVs in Germany increased by over 60%, Spain 80%, Czechia over 81%, Austria 87% just to mention a few. If we look at CEE countries, the percentage of new PHEV cars registered in April grew by almost 415% in Latvia, with Lithuania up 184%, Poland 115%, Slovakia 113%. These gains reflect not only consumer preference shifts but also automaker strategies to balance fleet emission compliance with practical consumer needs. However in France, Denmark and Belgium we have seen decreases of -12%, -35% and respectively -49%.
Romania – developments contrary to the European market
Romania presents a particularly stark contrast to the broader European trend, serving as a cautionary tale about policy implementation timing. Romanian BEV registrations plummeted 70% in April 2025 compared to the previous year, with market share declining from 5.5% to just 2.2%. This dramatic reversal stems from delays in the car scrapping (Rabla) subsidy program, which was expected to launch during the analyzed period but was delayed. Paradoxically, Romanian PHEV market share increased from 3.3% to 5.4% during the same timeframe, with PHEVs sales increasing by 31% in April, suggesting that even in challenging policy environments, PHEVs maintain appeal due to their reduced subsidy dependence and operational flexibility.
If we look at brands that sold most PHEVs in Romania, the first three are all German – Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen, while in the HEV category the leaders were Toyota, Dacia and Renault. This illustrates that price is a decisive factor when choosing the car. In the EVs segment Dacia is number one followed by Tesla and Renault. However, Tesla sales decreased over 70% year on year in Romania. Tesla is the second most held stock by Romanian and global investors on the trading and investing platform eToro.
In the EU, Tesla sold 52% less cars in April this year compared with last year. In contrast, battery electric vehicles maintained their upward trajectory with 558,262 units registered through April 2025 in the EU, capturing 15.3% market share compared to 12% in the previous year. April’s monthly BEV performance showed a robust 34% year-on-year increase, with PHEV growing 31% and HEV at 21%. The differential growth patterns suggest that while BEVs continue expanding their footprint, PHEVs may be capturing a specific market segment that values electrification without complete dependence on charging infrastructure.
Also the PHEV segment’s resilience becomes particularly significant when considering the broader regulatory environment, where the European Union’s new Euro 6e-Bis regulation, which came into force this year, could see the official carbon dioxide emissions of PHEVs double, and will have a significant impact in any country where tax systems are closely aligned to CO2 emissions.
