Breaking news

Evolution In European Car Registrations: Diesel Decline And Electric Surge

Overview Of A Decade Of Change

New Eurostat data shows a significant shift in the European Union’s passenger car market over the past decade. Diesel car registrations fell by 67% between 2014 and 2024, while battery electric vehicles expanded rapidly, reaching a 13.9% share of new registrations by January 2025.

Key Figures And Sector Trends

The 2025 edition of Key Figures on European Transport analyzes passenger car registrations across 20 EU countries, which accounted for 93% of all new registrations in 2024. The report tracks long-term changes in vehicle types and provides context on infrastructure, energy consumption, economic impact, and environmental performance.

Shift In Energy Types

Data covering 2014–2024 highlights a clear change in the energy mix of passenger vehicles. Diesel-powered cars, including hybrid variants, declined by 67% over the period. Petrol-powered vehicles, also including hybrids, increased by 60%, reflecting a broader transition away from diesel technology.

The Rise Of Electric Mobility

Battery electric vehicles recorded the strongest growth. Registrations increased 45-fold compared with 2014 levels, raising their market share from 0.3% to 13.9% of new registrations by 2024. Vehicles using other alternative fuels, including liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, hydrogen, and biofuels, rose by 13% over the same period.

Looking Ahead

The data confirms a structural shift in the EU automotive market as manufacturers and consumers move toward alternative energy sources. Continued growth in electric mobility is expected to shape future transport, energy, and industrial strategies across the European Union.

Trump-Musk Ties Draw New Scrutiny Over Reported SpaceX Investment

President Donald Trump’s reported investment in SpaceX has drawn attention to the financial ties between the president and Elon Musk, whose company has expanded its business with the U.S. government. The purchase comes after the two men publicly split last summer before later restoring their relationship.

White House Explains The Trade

White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters that Trump’s stock portfolio is managed by third-party financial institutions. He said the portfolio is designed to track “recognized indexes, such as the Schwab 1000,” suggesting Trump may not have personally selected the SpaceX investment.

SpaceX has expanded its government business under the Trump administration. A recent Wall Street Journal analysis found that the company has secured a growing share of federal contracts while also benefiting from the administration’s approach to deregulation.

SpaceX Seeks Wider Index Exposure

SpaceX has reportedly lobbied major index providers to change their eligibility rules so the company could qualify for inclusion ahead of its planned IPO. Inclusion in major benchmarks can increase demand from passive funds and other portfolios that track those indexes.

Once a company enters a widely followed index, investors can gain exposure through funds without buying its shares directly. That can broaden the shareholder base and increase demand for the stock.

Trump And Musk Rebuild Their Relationship

Trump and Musk maintained a close political and business relationship before a public dispute last summer. Musk accused Trump of withholding Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein because the president’s name appeared in them, an allegation Trump denied.

The disagreement later subsided, and the two have since remained aligned on several political and business issues. SpaceX’s growing role in federal contracts has kept the company closely connected to Washington.

Trump’s reported SpaceX investment therefore comes as the company prepares for a potential public listing and expands its relationship with the U.S. government.

Aretilaw firm
eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter