Germany, hit by bad economic news in recent weeks, led a drop in European car sales last month as demand for electric vehicles cratered.

Stellantis and Volkswagen suffered significant falls in new-car registrations in August, contributing to a sharp overall decline in the European Union, as demand weakened in key markets and electric-vehicle sales fell.

Germany has suffered a “spectacular” drop in electric car sales as the European Union faces growing calls to delay its net zero vehicle targets.

In the latest sign the EV revolution has slammed into reverse, just 92,627 battery-only powered cars were registered in the EU last month.

The EV market in Europe is facing a “continual downward trajectory,” according to ACEA. In August, EV sales dropped 43.9%, while the overall market fell 18.3% year-on-year. Automakers seek a smoother transition to zero-emission mobility amid sluggish EV demand.