Latest figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association have shown that the market share of electric cars in Europe increased during and immediately after the worst of the pandemic lockdowns.
This comes as automakers ramp up electric car production under pressure to meet tough new emissions limits next year.
According to the report released Thursday, the share of chargeable cars rose to 7.2 per cent in the April-June quarter from 6.8 per cent in the first quarter.
The figures include both battery-only vehicles and plug-in hybrids, which combine a battery that can be charged from a wall plug with an internal combustion engine, to extend range.
Chargeable vehicles sales fell, to 129,000 from 167,000, but the overall car market shrank even more, by more than 50 percent for both diesel and gasoline-engine cars.
The April-June quarter included the worst of the lockdowns that limited movements and gatherings.
Market share is important because carmakers will be judged by their fleet average under tough new limits on carbon dioxide emissions that come fully into force next year.
The new limits, aimed at combating global warming, mean that carmakers must make and sell more low-emission cars.
Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas blamed by scientists for global warming.
The second half of the year will see Europe’s largest carmaker, Volkswagen, launch sales of its battery-only ID.3, intended as a mass-market electric option starting at less than 30,000 euros ($35,500).
Uptake of electric cars had been slow until this year due to concerns about range, places to charge and higher prices.
Battery prices have been falling, however, and a carmaker consortium is building a network of highway fast-charging stations.
Governments have also increased subsidies for electric vehicle sales as part of economic stimulus programs aimed at cushioning the pandemic recession.
In China, a reduction in subsidies led to a slowdown in electric sales late last year, but the government is moving ahead with requirements for more low-emission vehicles over the long term.