EVs Take 64.9% Share In Sweden – Volvo EX60 Finally Debuts

Electric vehicles (EVs) continued to strengthen their foothold in Sweden during the first quarter of 2026, capturing a combined market share of 64.9%. This marks a significant increase from 58.0% in the same period last year, driven primarily by a 21% rise in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) saw a slight decline of 6%. Total vehicle sales dipped marginally by 2% year-on-year to just under 62,000 units, but the share of combustion engine vehicles fell notably to 25%, reflecting a sustained shift towards electrification. The Volvo EX40 maintained its position as Sweden’s best-selling BEV for the third consecutive quarter, followed by the Tesla Model Y and Volvo EX30. Noteworthy newcomers included the Kia EV5 and PV3 minivan, which made impressive gains in the rankings since their late 2025 debuts. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen ID.7 dropped out of the top three for the first time since mid-2024, signalling potential shifts in consumer preferences. The BMW iX3 also re-emerged with a redesigned, more efficient platform, contributing to the evolving competitive landscape. A major highlight for the Swedish market was the long-awaited launch of the Volvo EX60, which registered 107 units in Q1. This model is particularly significant as it replaces the popular XC60 PHEV, which had been among Sweden’s top sellers for years. The EX60 boasts a refreshed design and competitive pricing, alongside a strong WLTP range of up to 810 kilometres and rapid charging capabilities, positioning it to accelerate the country’s transition towards full electrification. Toyota also introduced the C-HR+ BEV, a strategically priced addition aimed at boosting its electric sales, although the brand remains behind other legacy manufacturers in the EV race. Looking ahead, the introduction of a targeted BEV incentive scheme for lower-income households in rural areas is expected to further stimulate BEV uptake in 2026. Despite a cooling macroeconomic environment marked by slowing GDP growth and stable interest rates, the Swedish EV market appears poised for continued expansion. The combined effect of policy support and new model launches like the EX60 could reinforce Sweden’s leadership in electric mobility, though the true impact of these developments will become clearer as the year progresses.