EU New Car Sales Rise 5.1% in April as EVs Surge; Tesla, Chinese Brands Gain Share

The European Union’s new car registrations climbed 5.1% year-on-year to 972,314 vehicles in April, fueled by a 37.7% jump in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) said on May 27, 2026. BEVs now hold a 19.7% market share year-to-date, up from 15.3% a year earlier. Tesla Inc. (TSLA) registrations in the EU surged 67.2% to 9,169 units, lifting its market share to 0.9% from 0.6%. January-to-April Tesla sales rose 61.7%, helped by price adjustments and extended subsidies. Chinese brands also expanded rapidly: BYD Co. (1211-HK) sales doubled, Chery Automobile (9973-HK) jumped nearly fourfold, and SAIC Motor’s MG brand gained 24.6%. For the first four months, BYD’s cumulative sales skyrocketed 152.9%, outpacing Tesla’s growth. The EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles threatens higher tariffs, but strong demand driven by high fuel costs and carbon policies continues to accelerate electrification.