Auto industry: EV transition slows as legacy demand outperforms forecasts

Frankfurt — European auto-industry data for May showed plug-in market share stalling at 24% of new registrations, with both pure-electric and plug-in hybrid sales tracking below 2025-year forecasts.

Diesel and conventional-hybrid demand rebounded modestly, reflecting consumer hesitation on battery-pack residual values and uneven charging-infrastructure rollout. Industry executives highlighted the EU's upcoming review of fleet-emissions targets as a critical signal for capital-allocation decisions in H2.

Battery-cell suppliers in central Europe reported softer order books; secondary suppliers downstream of cell production warned of consolidation risk if order volumes do not recover by Q4.