The market share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is declining in Europe, while hybrid electric cars have become more popular.
Concern is growing over the safety risk of the batteries in electric cars breaking
According to figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), BEVs accounted for 12.5 percent of the EU car market, down from 13.8 percent a year ago. However, hybrid electricity grew from 25 percent to almost 30 percent.
The combined proportion of petrol and diesel cars fell to under half – from 52.1 per cent to 48.5 per cent.
The decline in Germany was marked, with a 30.6 percent drop in new BEV registrations, although France recorded modest growth of 5.4 percent.
