Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) dipped over the course of July in Europe, dealing a blow to nations' efforts to phase out petrol and diesel cars.
Sales dropped by 8% across Europe, including the UK, compared to July 2023, while month-on-month the figure was down 28%, according to research house Rho Motion.
This was largely driven by the abrupt end of subsidies in Europe's largest market Germany last December, which were pulled as part of cuts to public spending.
Over the year so far, sales of EVs in Europe were flat at 1.7 million, with the figures coming as countries aim to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.
New car registration data from the UK last week showed targets on EV sales were not being met, prompting calls for further government support.
Overall, global EV sales climbed 21% over the course of July, fuelled by a 31% increase in China and 7% uptick in North America.