Denmark’s Electric Car Market: Looking Ahead to 2026

Posted by: Rihards Janis Graumanis

Last edited: 3rd February 2026

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Beyond the Tipping Point: Denmark’s Electric Market

The Danish car market has reached a decisive turning point. In 2025, electric vehicles moved from rapid growth to full market dominance, fundamentally changing how cars are bought, sold, and stocked across Denmark. As we move into 2026, the discussion is no longer about whether electric cars will lead the market, but about how dealerships adapt to a market where EVs are the default choice.

A Market Defined by Electric Vehicles

According to data from Mobility Denmark and bilstatistik.dk, electric cars accounted for 68.5% of all newly registered cars in Denmark in 2025. Among private buyers, the shift was even clearer, with 86% choosing an electric vehicle when purchasing a new car.

The dominance of EVs is also visible in model rankings. Nine out of the ten best-selling new cars in Denmark in 2025 were electric, reflecting a strong and sustained consumer preference for battery-electric vehicles across multiple segments. Compact and mid-sized electric SUVs, in particular, continue to dominate registrations, underlining the demand for practical, everyday EVs suited to Danish driving patterns.

Denmark also passed a historic milestone in 2025: there are now more electric cars than diesel cars on Danish roads. Electric vehicles account for just over 19% of the total car fleet, clearly illustrating how far electrification has progressed beyond new registrations and into the existing vehicle population.

At the same time, the transition is accelerating beyond passenger cars alone. The commercial vehicle market took a major step forward in 2025, as electric vans accounted for 30.9% of all new van registrations, up from just 15.3% the year before. The figures clearly point to a decisive shift, confirming that electrification of the van market moved into a new phase during 2025 and is becoming a central part of fleet and dealership strategies

Tax Stability Strengthens the EV Market Going Into 2026

One of the most important signals to the market came with the Finance Act for 2026, where planned increases in registration taxes on electric vehicles were cancelled. This decision has brought long-term stability to the market and ensured that electric cars remain financially attractive for both private and company-car buyers.

At the same time, taxation on fossil-fuel and hybrid vehicles continues to rise, further strengthening the cost advantage of EV ownership in Denmark. In many cases, electric vehicles are now cheaper to own than petrol or diesel alternatives, making them a logical choice not only environmentally, but economically as well.

An expert group has also been established to examine a future, simplified vehicle taxation system, which the industry expects to provide even greater clarity beyond 2026.

Well-Informed Customers Expect EV Competence

Danish car buyers are among the most informed EV customers in Europe. According to insights from Mobility Denmark and Elbilforeningen, buyers increasingly expect dealerships to provide clear guidance on charging solutions, real-world range, winter performance, and total cost of ownership.

Customers increasingly expect dealers to:

  • explain home and public charging solutions clearly

  • advise on real-world range and winter performance

  • understand incentives, taxation, and total cost of ownership

Dealerships without sufficient EV stock or EV expertise risk being perceived as behind the market or unprepared for today’s buyers. In a market where electric cars are the standard, EV competence is no longer a differentiator — it is a baseline requirement.

Used EVs Are One of the Fastest-Growing Segments

The transition to electric is not limited to new cars. Data from bilstatistik.dk shows that 92% of imported used cars in Denmark in 2025 were electric. The majority of these vehicles are relatively young EVs, typically 2–4 years old, offering attractive price points while retaining modern battery technology and manufacturer warranties.

When priced correctly and supported by proper knowledge of battery health, warranties, and residual values, used EVs continue to show strong and fast turnover. For many dealerships, this segment represents one of the most significant opportunities going into 2026.

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