Germany dominated the western European all-electric vehicle (BEV) market during the first quarter of the year, according to consultancy Schmidt Automotive Research.

The latest monthly report led by Matthias Schmidt says Germany’s BEV sales accounted for one-third of the total West European BEV market, followed by the UK, which passed France. In total, 800,000 BEVs were registered in West Europe from January to March, translating into a market share of 7.4%. The 1-million-unit mark is expected to be reached this summer.

The analysis covers 18 markets comprised of EU member states prior to the 2004 enlargement, plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and the UK, Kallanish notes.

Schmit’s report states the Volkwagen’s eUp was the No.1 BEV in Germany during Q1, with Tesla leading BEV sales in West Europe with a 13% market share. The purely electric brand, which is set to open a gigafactory in Berlin later this year, should increase its market share to close to 20% by year-end, the report estimates.

German generous incentives continue to fuel demand for electric vehicles in Europe, with attractive fiscal benefits available for plug-in company cars and purchase incentives for private customers. The EV penetration level in the country stood at 21.7% in Q1, which is higher than the 16% share in Q1 2020. The figures include both PHEVs and BEVs.

Other major markets for EVs are the Nordic countries of Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Denmark with market shares of 82%, 51.5%, 35.6%, 25.9% and 24%, respectively.