In contrast, there was a rise in all types of electrified powertrains – electric, hybrid, and, in particular, plug-in hybrids – with growth of over 50 percent in August and around 28 percent from January to August.

According to the ACEA (Association of European Automobile Manufacturers), the EU sold 2,012,580 petrol-powered cars in the first eight months of the year, a 19.7 percent drop compared to the same period last year.

Diesel vehicle sales fell by 25.7 percent, totalling 674,477 units.

In August alone, petrol engine sales fell by 16.3 percent, with 178,156 units registered, while diesel sales totalled 59,327 cars (a 17.5 percent decrease).

Considering not only the EU, but also the UK and EFTA countries, the decline in pure combustion engines was even more significant.

Compared to the same month last year, 20.4 percent fewer petrol-powered vehicles were registered in January than in August (2,395,945 units) and 25.2 percent fewer diesel-powered vehicles (721,012 units registered).

Considering only August's performance, these markets sold 202,623 petrol-powered vehicles (down 17.3 percent) and 62,924 diesel-powered vehicles (down 17.5 percent).

Although some automakers are slowing down their plans to electrify their lineups, the European Union maintains its goal of banning the sale of new cars with traditional combustion engines starting in 2035.