Electric vehicles overwhelm gasoline vehicles in December 2025
According to Reuters, in December 2025, the number of newly registered batterie-powered electric vehicles (BEV - Battery Electric Vehicle) in the European Union exceeded the number of gasoline-powered vehicle registrations for the first time in history, according to the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). This is not only a data milestone, but also represents a significant shift in European car consumption trends.
Electric vehicle sales in this month increased sharply compared to the same period last year, while registration of traditional gasoline vehicles decreased. This is happening in the context of increasingly diverse electric vehicle models, improved charging infrastructure and many support policies from governments to promote green vehicles.
Analysts assess that, although electric car sales account for only a small part of the total market, the overtaking event in the last month of the year is highly symbolic, opening up positive signals for the long-term transition phase of the European car market.
According to Acea. auto, the summary results for the whole year 2025 show that electric vehicles account for about 17.4% of the newly registered market share in the EU, a significant step forward from 13.6% in 2024. The number of newly registered electric vehicles in the year reached nearly 1.88 million units, reflecting a growth rate of nearly 30% compared to the previous year, according to Energynews.
Acea. auto pointed out that, while the market share of gasoline and diesel cars continued to decline, many large markets such as Germany (+43.2%), the Netherlands (+18.1%), Belgium (+12.6%) and France (+12.5%) witnessed a significant increase in electric vehicle registrations.
European consumers are increasingly prioritizing electric vehicles thanks to clear benefits such as: significantly lower operating costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles; Climate policies and incentives to buy green vehicles from governments; Charging infrastructure everywhere is developing strongly, reducing concerns about travel distance; Environmental awareness is increasing.
That growth also takes place in the context that electric and hybrid hybrid models continue to lead the overall market, creating a more diverse picture of choices for buyers.
However, there are also challenges when the European Union's new policy proposals are expected to ease some targets to restrict the sale of internal combustion vehicles by 2035, which if approved could slow down the transition to electric vehicles in the long term, Reuters emphasized.
Vietnam quickly catches up with the green wave
According to experts, this shift is not just a temporary trend but reflects a widespread change in European consumer choices. Many customers are now considering total ownership costs, in which low fuel and maintenance costs of electric vehicles bring great advantages, along with financial and tax incentives.
This prompted many car manufacturers to accelerate their electrification strategies, invest in more efficient battery technology, expand the EV product line and optimize the charging network. Although internal combustion engines are still popular in many segments, their market share has decreased significantly in the past year, reflecting changes in customer priorities.
In Vietnam, electric vehicle sales and market share are also showing impressive growth in recent years, thanks to a similar trend to Europe: low operating costs, increased environmental awareness and gradually forming infrastructure to support electric charging. The Vietnamese government has also issued a number of policies to encourage the development of electric vehicles and green vehicles, from import tax reductions to preferential registration tax for electric vehicles, in order to promote the shift away from internal combustion engines.
International and domestic electric vehicle manufacturers have both recorded strong interest from Vietnamese consumers, especially in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where the demand for clean and efficient vehicles is increasing.
In the global picture of transitioning to electric transportation, VinFast - Vietnam's electric vehicle company, has emerged as a particularly bright spot in 2025.
In the domestic market, VinFast recorded record sales when handing over a total of 175,099 electric cars in 2025, far exceeding all previous records and strongly consolidating its position as the best-selling car company in Vietnam for 15 consecutive months. December 2025 also marked the month with the highest sales in history with 27,649 VinFast cars delivered to customers, a "dreamy" number for any car brand in the Vietnamese market.
The figure of 175.099 vehicles sold not only broke domestic records but also reflects the clear priority of Vietnamese consumers for electrified vehicles, in the context of lower usage costs and increasing awareness of environmental pollution. VinFast maintains its leading position in the electric vehicle group and the entire auto industry, far ahead of many foreign brands that previously dominated.
In the context of the global shift to electrified transportation, Vietnam has the opportunity to take advantage of this trend to develop the domestic electric vehicle industry, attract investment and significantly reduce emissions from urban transport.
