Europe car sales jump 21% as EVs help extend growth streak

Demand for battery-powered cars continues to climb. The number of new EVs registered across Europe soared 102% in August to just shy of 197,000 cars.

the strong demand for EVs — which exceeded 20% of EU sales for the first time — speaks to why Chinese companies are increasingly keen to establish a foothold in the market. Pic: John Walton

Auto sales climbed for the 13th consecutive month in Europe, with electric vehicles driving growth before becoming the latest focal point of global trade tensions.

New-car registrations rose 21% to 904,509 units in August, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association said. Sales of EVs doubled ahead of the European Commission opening an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric cars this month.