EU alternative fuel vehicle registration rises sharply in Q1

Brussels - In the first quarter of 2015, total alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) registrations in the EU increased sharply by 28.8 percent, totalling 144,421, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).

Of the total, registrations of electric vehicles (EVs) more than doubled, rising from 11,304 units in Q1 2014 to 24,630 units in Q1 2015, posting a 117.9-percent rise.

Demand for new hybrid cars increased by 21.4 percent, totalling 56,704 units in the first three months of the year. Some 63,087 new natural gas powered cars were registered, showing a rise of 16.5 percent compared to the same period in 2014.

Across major EU markets, the UK saw the largest increase of AFVs registered over the period – at 64.2 percent – followed by France, Italy and Germany.