A first in Romania: More electric and hybrid cars sold than diesel cars / Sales of diesel cars dropped by a third

Sales of electric and hybrid cars exceeded sales of diesel cars for the first time this year, the Environment Ministry announced in a press release.

Officials credit the increase to the incentives provided by the Rabla PLUS subsidies program.

„Analysis of car registrations by engine type in the first seven months of this year shows that electrified cars (full electric, plug-in hybrid and full hybrid) have an increase of 106.4%, achieving a market share of 20.7%. At the same time, registrations of diesel-powered cars are down 29.3% compared to the first seven months of 2021 and have a 14.1% share of the total,” the release said.

Gasoline engines show an increase of 10.1% compared to the same period in 2021, reaching a share of 65.3%. At the same time, electric cars (Full Electric) reached 7.9% of the Romanian market in the first 7 months of 2022, while in the same period of 2021, they represented only 1.9% of the market.

„The figures show that we are fast approaching the end of the diesel era. This is the first year for Romania that more green cars are bought than diesel cars. This is a trend at both the European and national levels where, in both cases, we see a drop in diesel car sales of almost 30% in the first part of this year. If we look at full electric cars, we see an even more spectacular development, a 300% increase in market share in the first seven months compared to the same period last year. This is a signal that, on the one hand, Romanians are beginning to understand more and more the importance of clean transport and, on the other hand, it is a clear result of the Rabla Plus program. For the first time in Romania we have multiannual planning, with a focus on increasing the stimulation of the green car market in the coming years”, said Minister Barna Tánczos.

At the same time, the Minister for the Environment, Water, and Forests announced that a new program to encourage the purchase of electric cars for the commercial sector is being developed.

„It is clear that it is not only private cars that pollute, but also vehicles for transporting people and goods. That’s why we’re coming to the aid of Romanian business operators with a scheme for electric and plug-in hybrid cars in the commercial sector. We are working on impact studies and market analysis together with representatives of car manufacturers and importers and will launch Rabla Plus for commercial fleets in 2023,” said Minister Barna Tánczos.

According to the official, the Rabla Plus program for commercial fleets will be launched in 2023.