Norway Out of Reach for Europe. The Gap with Poland Is Huge
Norway remains the undisputed leader in electromobility in Europe. In the first half of 2026, electric cars accounted for 97.6 percent of new car sales there. For comparison, the European share of electric vehicles in June was 25.6 percent.
Norway performs much better than Poland or the whole of Europe.
Fot. MN
The European market is changing rapidly. In June 2026, 275,060 electric cars were sold in 17 analyzed countries, which is 39.5 percent more than a year earlier, according to data from E-Mobility Europe and New AutoMotive. These countries account for about 90 percent of the automotive market in Europe. However, the data shows significant differences between individual countries.
Norway Nearly Completes Its Transformation. Electrics Have Taken Over the Market
In Norway, electric drive has become the standard. The share of such cars in new car sales reached 97.6 percent in the first half of 2026, leaving only a small part of the market to other types of powertrains. This is the highest result in the ranking. Norway has clearly separated itself from other European countries.
The scale of change is exceptional. While in many countries electric cars are only just gaining a dozen or several dozen percent of the market, in Norway they have almost completely dominated new registrations. The country is therefore at a different stage of automotive transformation. However, the growth in European sales confirms that other markets are heading in a similar direction.
The scale of change is exceptional. While in many countries electric cars are only just gaining a dozen or several dozen percent of the market, in Norway they have almost completely dominated new registrations. The country is therefore at a different stage of automotive transformation. However, the growth in European sales confirms that other markets are heading in a similar direction.
Less than 3 percent of new passenger cars in Norway are petrol, hybrid, or diesel vehicles.Photo: MN
Norway Far Ahead. Poland and Europe Still Catching Up
The difference between Norway and Poland is clear. In the first half of 2026, the share of electric cars in Polish sales was 5.6 percent, almost 17 times lower than in Norway. Poland remains one of the weakest markets in the ranking. Norway's result, on the other hand, is close to full electrification of new car sales.
Europe as a whole is somewhere between these extremes. In June, electric cars accounted for 25.6 percent of new cars, with Germany and France recording over 84,000 and nearly 56,000 registrations, respectively. Finland reached a 48.9 percent share, and Belgium 37.2 percent. However, Norway still remains out of reach for both the largest markets and the European average.
Europe as a whole is somewhere between these extremes. In June, electric cars accounted for 25.6 percent of new cars, with Germany and France recording over 84,000 and nearly 56,000 registrations, respectively. Finland reached a 48.9 percent share, and Belgium 37.2 percent. However, Norway still remains out of reach for both the largest markets and the European average.
European transformation is increasingly influenced by manufacturers from China. According to May estimates by JPMorgan analysts, every third electric car driving in Europe was produced in China. The growing presence of brands like MG, BYD, and Omoda may increase competition even in markets that are just beginning to develop electric car sales.
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