Alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) registrations rose by 17.4% across Europe in the second quarter of 2015, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). Demand for AFVs in the UK surged 62.4% – the biggest increase seen in any of the EU’s major markets over the period.
Significant growth was also seen in both France and Spain, where AFV registrations rose 59.7% and 58% respectively, while heightened demand in EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries was largely driven by Norway where an impressive 77% of the 11,614 vehicles registered were electrically powered.
Figures show that pure electric vehicle registrations grew by more than half (53%) in the second quarter of 2015, with hybrid vehicle registrations rising by 22%. The number of propane and natural gas vehicles registered also increased slightly. A total of 143,595 AFVs were registered across Europe in Q2 2015.
Figures for the first half of 2015 further highlight the buoyant AFV market in Europe, with demand rising 24.6% to almost 300,000 (298,463) registrations in the EU. The UK once again led the way with the biggest growth (62.6%) of Europe’s major car markets.
