European AFV registrations up 7% in Q3

According to figures released from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), demand for alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) in the EU grew 7 percent to a total of 137 423 units during the third quarter 2016. Results were though diverse amongst the different vehicle categories.

Registrations of both new electrically chargeable (ECV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) continued their positive momentum, posting double-digit percentage gains during the last quarter, 20.2 percent and 29.2 percent respectively. Growth in the ECV segment was particularly supported by plug-in electric cars, up 26.4 percent, which represent more than half of total ECV registrations. Demand for cars powered by propane, ethanol or natural gas (NGV) fell by 26.2 percent to 34 384 units during the period, following the trend of the first and second quarter. The main reason for this has been a contraction of the Italian market, which accounts for the majority of these vehicles.

Among the EU’s major markets, Spain, Germany and the UK recorded substantial increases in AFV registrations over the last quarter at 44.8 percent, 33.9 percent and 30.5 percent respectively. Growth in these countries was fully driven by demand for electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Italy performed less well compared to the same period 2015 Q3 dropping 17.2 percent, due to a sharp decline in registrations of propane and gas-fuelled cars, which was only partly offset by increases in the electric (46.6 percent) and hybrid electric (52.4 percent) segments. France showed a modest 10.9 percent decline in total AFV registrations, mainly due to a drop in HEV and LPG sales. France, however, still accounted for the second largest number of HEV registrations (10,070) after the UK.

Among the EU+EFTA countries, Norway maintained its leading position with the largest number of ECV registered over the period: 11 287 units, up 44.1 percent compared to Q3 2015.

5585/AS