Türkiye EV market share: New Energy Vehicles Overtake

Türkiye EV market share has reached a historic tipping point in the first quarter of 2026, as electric and hybrid vehicle sales officially surpassed internal combustion engines for the first time. Data from the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD) reveals that new energy vehicles captured 51.2% of the total market, signaling a definitive shift toward sustainable transportation technology in the Turkish automotive landscape.

Despite a slight contraction in the overall automobile market—which saw a 5.86% decrease to 210,688 units between January and March—the demand for electrified powertrains continued to surge. A total of 107,924 hybrid and electric vehicles were sold during this period, defying the general downward trend in sales volume.

The Rapid Decline of Petrol and Diesel Demand

As Türkiye EV market share grows, traditional fuel types are facing a sharp and steady retreat. Consumer interest in internal combustion engines (ICE) plummeted during the first three months of the year, with significant double-digit drops across all categories:

• Petrol vehicles: Sales fell by 20.1%.

• Diesel vehicles: Sales dropped by 26.9%.

• Autogas (LPG) vehicles: Sales decreased by 34.8%.

The steep decline in diesel popularity is largely attributed to global manufacturers phasing out diesel production, resulting in a limited supply of new diesel models in the domestic market. Consequently, the market share for petrol cars shrank from 49.6% last year to 42.1%, while diesel’s presence dwindled to just 6.3%.

Record Growth for Hybrid and Electric Models

The vacuum left by traditional fuels is being rapidly filled by advanced alternatives. Hybrid car sales jumped by 33%, reaching 69,504 units, while fully electric vehicle (EV) sales climbed 29.9% to hit 38,028 units. When extended-range systems are included, the broader electric category secured an 18.2% market share.

By the end of March 2026 alone, monthly data showed 15,118 electric and 27,065 hybrid sales. This trajectory confirms a new reality for the Turkish industry: currently, one in two new cars hitting the roads in Türkiye features an electric-assisted motor.

Source: karar