
Hybrid vehicles have now overtaken BEVs as the most exported fuel type in Europe's cross-border used car market — marking a clear shift in market dynamics.
Based on Autorola Marketplace auction data from 2025 and the first months of 2026, BEVs have historically dominated cross-border activity. However, March 2026 data shows hybrids moving into the lead on export share.
At the same time, BEVs remain highly active overall, even as a growing share is now staying in their country of origin rather than being exported.
EV exports are slowing as markets mature
In 2025, the export rate for EVs exceeded 50%. By the end of March 2026, that figure had fallen to 36%.
This indicates a shift towards a more balanced market. EVs still move across borders more than other fuel types, but export intensity is no longer at previous levels.
Two key factors are driving this development:
- Stronger domestic demand in markets such as Germany and Southern Europe is absorbing more vehicles locally
- Increased local supply in traditional import markets like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium is reducing the need for cross-border sourcing
Hybrids now lead on export share
The most notable development in early 2026 is the rise of hybrids in cross-border trade.
- Petrol hybrids reached an export share of 53.7%
- Diesel hybrids reached 46.5%
This suggests that hybrids currently offer the strongest cross-border fit across a wide range of markets.
One explanation is that some markets are progressing further towards full electrification and are therefore less able to absorb hybrids domestically. As a result, more hybrid vehicles are being exported to markets with different levels of electrification readiness.
The top buyer markets for hybrids so far in 2026 include the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Germany, Portugal, and Poland — indicating broad-based demand across Europe.
Diesel remains dominant — but the shift is clear
Despite the growth of electrified vehicles, diesel remains the most sold fuel type across Autorola Marketplace auctions in Europe.
This reflects the uneven pace of transition across markets, where local demand conditions and existing vehicle parc still support diesel's position.
At the same time, EVs have now overtaken petrol cars to become the second-most sold fuel type — underlining their growing importance in wholesale trading.
What does this mean for the market
The European cross-border used car market is becoming increasingly nuanced by fuel type.
BEVs continue to play a major role, but fewer are being exported as domestic markets mature. Hybrids, meanwhile, are emerging as the most flexible option across borders, with strong demand across different market conditions.
For remarketing professionals, this shift highlights the importance of aligning sourcing and sales strategies with changing cross-border demand patterns.
Key takeaway
Cross-border opportunities in 2026 are not declining — they are evolving, and the European used car market is becoming increasingly nuanced by fuel type.
BEVs continue to dominate cross-border activity overall, but fewer are being exported than before. Hybrids, meanwhile, are moving into the lead on export share, suggesting they currently offer the strongest cross-border fit across multiple markets based on the latest March data.
Success will depend on understanding how demand is shifting across fuel types and markets — and acting accordingly.