The Netherlands is spearheading electromobility in Europe, and has once again confirmed its pioneering role. In October 2025, 100% electric vehicles (BEVs) broke the 40% barrier in terms of market share of new car registrations, an all-time record for the country.
An all-time record for BEV
It’s a historic figure that is good news for the electrified car industry. Holland has become the first European country to increase the market share of electric vehicles to over 40% by October 2025. The country registered 13,968 BEVs in October 2025, corresponding to a market share of 40.2% of all new cars. This is a spectacular increase on the previous year, when BEVs accounted for only around 30% of the market.
This remarkable performance puts the Netherlands well above the European average, where BEVs generally account for 15% of the market. It illustrates that electromobility has become a tangible reality here, far exceeding the trend.
Why are the Netherlands ahead of the game?
There are several reasons for this rapid adoption:
- Attractive financial incentives: the Netherlands has been offering support for the purchase of electric vehicles for a number of years, including direct subsidies, road tax exemptions and tax breaks for businesses. Unlike other countries where subsidies fluctuate or run out quickly, the Dutch system is stable and predictable, encouraging consumers to take the plunge without waiting for government assistance.
- The country has one of the most developed recharging networks in Europe, with over 150,000 public recharging points available throughout the country. This accessibility reduces fears about autonomy.
- A high level of environmental awareness: keen to use public transport, trams and bicycles, the Dutch are sensitive to climate issues and increasingly see electric vehicles as a responsible and modern choice.
- Favourable regulations: local and national measures encourage electrification and, conversely, penalise combustion-powered cars, such as access restrictions for combustion-powered vehicles in certain urban areas.
Comparison with the rest of Europe
With a 40% market share for 100% electric vehicles, the Netherlands dominates a Europe where the situation is very different in other European countries. France is also enjoying a historic month, with the market share of 100% electric vehicles reaching 24.4%, while Germany is at 19.8%. Spain’s market share has risen significantly, to 12.3%, an increase of 119% over one year. Italy, meanwhile, is lagging behind, with a 5% market share.
These differences show that the Dutch success is based on a rare alignment between financial incentives, dense infrastructure and cultural adoption. Other European countries could draw inspiration from this model to accelerate their transition to zero-emission vehicles.
A key step for European electromobility
This all-time record shows that mass adoption of electric vehicles is possible when public policy, infrastructure and consumer behaviour are aligned. For the European automotive industry, the Netherlands is now a model to follow.
