Germany has suffered a “spectacular” drop in electric car sales as the European Union faces growing calls to delay ambitious carbon reduction targets.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) said that sales for new battery-powered electric vehicles (EV) in the bloc’s largest economy plunged by nearly 70pc in August, which drove a wider 18pc decline for new car sales across the EU.

In France, the EU’s second-largest market for battery electric vehicles behind Germany, sales fell by 33pc.

The ACEA said “the spectacular drop” in Germany and France meant that only 92,627 battery electric vehicles were registered across Europe last month, a fall of 43.9pc from 165,204 a year earlier.

The EV sales crisis has prompted the ACEA to call for “urgent action” against the new EU rules.

It warned that the “continual downward trajectory” of the European electric car market leaves manufacturers at risk of multibillion-euro fines.

The European Commission, which creates and enforces EU law, is preparing to introduce new targets for cars and vans designed to slash carbon emissions and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles instead.

However, the ACEA said that the EV market share remains far below the level needed to be compliant with the EU’s vehicle emissions rules.

The Brussels-based industry body said that 902,011 new battery-electric cars were registered from January to August, representing 12.6pc of the market.

“We are missing crucial conditions to reach the necessary boost in production and adoption of zero-emission vehicles: charging and hydrogen refilling infrastructure, as well as a competitive manufacturing environment, affordable green energy, purchase and tax incentives, and a secure supply of raw materials, hydrogen and batteries,” the ACEA said.

It urged the European Union to delay new carbon emissions targets and instead take “urgent and meaningful action” to reverse the decline.

Top carmakers including Volkswagen, BMW and Renault have already suggested pushing back the targets, which would see companies fined for failing to comply.

Meanwhile, Italy urged the EU to pause its “absurd” plans to ban petrol cars by 2035 amid concerns the policy risks triggering the automotive industry’s collapse.

Drivers are increasingly reluctant to purchase electric vehicles on mounting concerns about range, resale and the availability of charging points.

The European market share of EVs also fell during August from 21pc to 14.4pc. Petrol car sales also decreased by 17.1pc, although they still represent 32.6pc of the market. Diesel car sales also dropped 26.4pc.

Registrations of plug-in hybrid cars in Europe dropped 22.3pc last month, with declines recorded in all major markets.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.