The Automotive Update: The newest cars and EV market gains
23 May 2025
The latest cars hit the road for testing, just as the European electric vehicle (EV) market gains momentum. Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry breaks down the key developments shaping the industry in The Automotive Update podcast.
In this week’s episode, the latest models appearing on European roads are tested, plus the continent’s plug-in market is assessed. Elsewhere, Honda revises its EV strategy and battery production may finally end at Northvolt.
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Testing new EVs
Last week, the SMMT test day provided a chance for automotive media outlets to test the latest cars from multiple manufacturers. Ford, one of the many marques attending the event, brought its new Puma Gen-e.
The model marks the brand’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) based on a passenger car in its existing range. It can travel for a total of 233 miles (375km) on a full charge with its 43kWh battery.
Skoda was also present at the test day with its Elroq model. The medium-size SUV features slim LED headlights and sharp exterior lines. It has a range of up to 355 miles when selected with a 77kWh battery.
Other models available to drive included the Leapmotor T03, a compact hatchback. Its 37.3kWh battery can provide a 165-mile range. Another small car available at the event was the Hyundai Inster BEV, featuring a 42kWh battery which provides around 229 miles of range.
EVs surge in Europe
Autovista24’s review of the European EV market displayed the surge in plug-in registrations, up 20% year on year across the first quarter of 2025. this equated to a total of 847,591 units, according to the latest data from EV Volumes.
BEVs drove this increase, with the technology growing 28% in the first three months of the year, reaching 578,990 sales. Meanwhile, PHEVs suffered declines in January and February, and it was only thanks to an 18.6% improvement in March that powertrain was able to manage growth in the period.
Germany accounted for 20.7% of EV deliveries. The UK was just 1,761 units behind Germany’s EV figure, taking a 20.5% market share. France ranked third with an 11.3% share, while Belgium and the Netherlands closed out the top five.
The Tesla Model Y emerged as the best-selling BEV and EV in the first three months of the year, with 30,407 registrations. The Model 3 finished second, trailing its sibling by 7,019 units. The Volkswagen (VW) ID.4 was the best of the rest, followed by the Skoda Enyaq and VW ID.7.
Honda reduces EV investment
Honda has announced it will reduce its investment in EVs due to declining demand. Instead, the carmaker will focus on full hybrid vehicles (HEVs) by bringing in new models to meet growth in this area.
The carmaker’s global EV sales ratio in 2030 is now expected to fall below the previously announced target of 30%.
Honda will now position its HEVs, mostly next-generation models. to be introduced to the market from 2027 onward. It is hoped the powertrain will play a key role during the transition period toward electrified vehicles.
Northvolt battery production turmoil
Following months of speculation, EV battery-maker Northvolt, recently filed for bankruptcy. Bloomberg News has now reported that production will be stopped at its last remaining factory in northern Sweden. This is expected to take place at the end of June if Northvolt fails to find a buyer before then.
The plant in Skellefteå has been operating a single production line, manufacturing cells for truck maker Scania. This has continued since March, when a court-appointed trustee in Sweden put the group’s business and assets up for sale. So far, no buyer has emerged.
