Croatia’s new car market grew by 12.54% in 2024, reaching 63,806 new passenger vehicle registrations, up from 55,697 the previous year. Within this broader growth, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also rose from 1,618 to 1,915 units, an increase of 18.36%. This modest improvement helped EVs maintain a 3.0% share of the market, slightly more than the 2.9% share in 2023, although still behind the 3.1% registered in 2022.
Despite a larger pool of 70 EV models (compared to 63 in 2023) and a quick sell-out of the government’s purchase incentives in spring, the overall EV share remains modest. The distribution of deliveries was heavily concentrated between May and September, which saw more than 70% of all 2024 electric sales.
New Leader on the EV Podium
After leading in 2023 with 236 units, Tesla Model Y was displaced from the top spot by its sibling, Tesla Model 3, which soared to 371 registrations (a 118% year-on-year jump) — making it Croatia’s best-selling EV in 2024. The Model Y stayed near its previous level with 225 units.
Renault Twingo EV took a solid 3rd place (168 registrations, +21.7%), while Dacia Spring grew 24.3% year-on-year to rank 4th (143 units). A notable entry is the MG4, posting 126 units (up from just 11 last year). Meanwhile, newcomers such as Citroën ë-C3 (75 units, 9th place) show the expanding variety in the Croatian EV lineup.
Highlights of the EV Top 10 in 2024
- Tesla Model 3 – 371 units (+118% yoy)
- Tesla Model Y – 225 units (~same yoy)
- Renault Twingo – 168 units (+21.7% yoy)
- Dacia Spring – 143 units (+24.3% yoy)
- MG4 – 126 units (up from 11 in 2023)
- Opel Mokka-e – 123 units
- Hyundai Kona EV – 81 units
- Audi Q4 e-tron – 78 units
- Citroën ë-C3 – 75 units (deliveries began only in November)
- Škoda Enyaq – 54 units
Chinese EVs Growing Slowly
Chinese brands remain few in Croatia but are gaining traction. In 2023, only five Chinese-manufactured EV models found buyers, totaling 28 cars. By 2024, that climbed to 144 vehicles across six models. The MG 4 led with 126 units, followed by Dongfeng Seres 3 (8 units) and MG ZS (6). The arrival of BYD Dolphin and XPeng G9 each with a single unit suggests a likely stronger Chinese push in 2025.
Looking Ahead: Policy & Incentives
Croatia’s 2024 EV growth was underpinned by a spring incentive program from the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund. All allocated funds sold out within hours. However, there was neither additional money nor a separate call for legal entities, leaving uncertain whether any new incentives will appear in 2025.
Without further state support, it will be difficult to maintain or improve EV sales growth. Still, the broadening array of models (including more affordable ones like Citroën ë-C3 and future BYD entries) could draw more interest from Croatian drivers. Yet the market’s shift toward electrics hinges on continued policy incentives, charging infrastructure expansion, and competitive pricing.
Key Takeaways
- Overall new car registrations in 2024: 63,806 (+12.54%).
- EV registrations: 1,915 (+18.36%), EV share at 3.0%.
- Tesla Model 3 became the best-selling EV with 371 units.
- EV demand peaked from May to September (over 70% of annual EV sales).
- Chinese EV brands are slowly emerging, with MG and Dongfeng leading.
- Additional incentives or policy measures will likely be critical to sustain or increase growth in 2025.
Source:
- Promocija plus
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.
