Most European carmakers on track to meet emission targets: Study

Carmakers "are painting a terrible picture because they want their targets weakened. But the reality is that electric car sales are surging and emissions rules are key to that equation," said Lucien Mathieu, T&E cars director.

The EU requires carmakers to progressively cut carbon emissions produced by new vehicles sold in the 27-country bloc, under the threat of steep fines.

Earlier this year, Brussels allowed firms more time to comply by averaging their emissions over three years from 2025 to 2027, rather than each individual year.

This has caused a slowdown in the EV market growth as some manufacturers reduced discounts on electric vehicles, T&E said.

"The two-year extension of the targets allowed carmakers to take the foot off the gas and will lead to two million fewer electric cars being sold between 2025 and 2027," it said.

The auto industry is pushing for a further revision of EU rules, demanding in particular more room for EV alternatives such as plug-in hybrids and highly efficient internal-combustion-engine vehicles.

To tackle climate change, the EU currently aims to phase out sales of new combustion engine vehicles by 2035.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is due to hold talks with automotive industry bigwigs on September 12.