Earlier this year, the European Parliament and EU governments (Council) struck a deal confirming the 95g target for new passenger vehicles in 2020. However, Germany blocked a Council vote to rubber stamp the agreement, which has been delayed since then.

The Lithuanian Presidency has scheduled a EU government vote on the deal for this week. If the Council reject the delayed deal, it will lead to a full second reading in the Parliament and the entire draft law will be up for negotiation again.

According to T&E, the impact of the German proposal is similar to one previously assessed by the European Commission that estimated by 2030 it would lead to 120m tonnes of more oil being used, 310m tonnes more CO2 being emitted and a reduction of GDP of up to €5.1bn.

Greg Archer, clean vehicles manager of T&E, said: ‘The EU has always recognised the future of its car industry depends upon driving innovation towards more efficient, environmentally friendly cars. Germany’s last-ditch attempt would do the opposite – hamper auto clean innovation and destroy the competitive edge Europe has built over the past decade. Auto suppliers support 95g in 2020 and Germany’s proposal will leave the technology they have developed on the shelf for four more years.’

T&E added that if the change is accepted, the delayed deal will need to be rejected, leading to a full second reading in the Parliament and meaning that the entire draft law will be up for negotiation again.