Electric and hybrid cars gain ground in Europe and Türkiye

Electric cars outsold petrol cars in Europe for the first time during the first eight months of the year.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association said total car sales rose 5.3%, while fully electric sales increased 44.9% to more than 1.6 million.

Electric and hybrid models accounted for about 52% of Türkiye’s car market in the first nine months, with combined sales reaching 326,035.

This means about one in every two new cars sold in Türkiye had an electric or hybrid powertrain.

Car makers are expanding electric models while continuing to update petrol cars, as the industry shifts toward alternatives to traditional engines.

The change is moving beyond premium cars toward compact and city-focused models, and European incentives are helping bring smaller electric cars forward.

Hyundai’s IONIQ 3, made in İzmit, has gone on sale in Türkiye as the company’s first fully electric car produced in the country.

It offers a range of up to 482 kilometres and starts at 1.8 million lira; the figures show the market’s direction, but the sources give no further next steps.