EVs overtake diesels in Europe’s new car sales figures

The Tesla Model 3 was the top-selling EV in Europe and New Zealand in 2021. Photo: Andrei Diomidov Photography

Sales of electrified cars outsold diesel models in Europe for the first time last year.

Combined sales of battery-electric cars and plug-in hybrid cars grew 66 percent to 2.26 million in the EU, EFTA, and UK markets in 2021, according to ACEA.

The Tesla Model 3 was the top-selling EV beating the Volkswagen ID3 and Renault Zoe.

Diesel sales fell 33 percent to 2.08 million, as the powertrain's popularity continued a slide that began after Volkswagen Group's emissions-cheating scandal in 2015, says Europe Automotive News.

Diesel passenger cars face extinction in Europe as cities and governments impose tougher regulations to reduce tailpipe pollutants such as NOx.

Petrol cars were still the most popular engine type but their lead is dwindling, with sales down 17 percent to 4.76 million, says Europe Automotive News.

In New Zealand, 6817 full electric vehicles were sold in 2021, with the Model 3 being the best seller. In January 2022, there were 454 BEVs registered. The top-selling models were the Hyundai Kona (78 units) followed by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (59 units) and the BMW i (42 units).