The EU is considering a new requirement for electric cars in fleets from 2030.

The EU is reportedly preparing to introduce legislation that could profoundly revolutionize the automotive market starting in 2030: a ban on internal combustion engines specifically targeting company fleets and rental car providers. This ambitious move is seen by industry experts as the only way to comply with the more stringent CO2 emission limits imposed on car manufacturers themselves, which came into force this year.

The proposal, which is already generating heated debate and strong reactions from politicians and industry players, would mark a significant step toward decarbonizing transportation. However, its applicability remains unclear, as there are many concerns.

It would change the face of the market

According to "Bild am Sonntag," citing EU sources, the European Commission intends to present this new regulation as early as next summer, subsequently moving it through the parliamentary process. For the proposal to become law, it will need approval from both the Council of the EU and the European Parliament.

The potential impact of this measure would be far-reaching: if approved, it would directly affect 60% of the entire new car business in Europe. To give an idea of the scale, the remaining 40% of sales are currently made up of purchases by private customers. Overall, 10.6 million vehicles were sold across the EU last year, underscoring the enormity of the segment that would be affected.

Although an EU spokesperson confirmed that new regulations are being worked on, without going into detail, the first reactions and criticisms were not long in coming. MEP Markus Ferber expressed strong opposition, sending a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for the project to be scrapped.

The CSU politician expressed his concern that such a regulation could lead to the purchase of electric vehicles solely to meet imposed quotas , without there being real assimilation and acceptance by the market.

Not everyone is enthusiastic

Even more forceful is the position of Nico Gabriel, a member of the board of directors of Sixt, a major player in the car rental industry. Gabriel described the proposed ban as " essentially unworkable ." His statements are quite direct and outline a complicated scenario: " Vacationers will hardly use rental cars anymore, consumers will virtually be unable to rent vehicles anymore ."

The main concern raised by Gabriel, and echoed by other providers cited by "Bild," is the chronic lack of charging stations across much of the EU. According to the operators, this lack of infrastructure would have a direct and inevitable consequence: a significant increase in rental car costs .

The European Commission's plan would represent a crucial turning point for the automotive industry and the entire European transport system. The debate is set to heat up in the coming months, balancing the urgency of achieving ambitious climate goals with the legitimate concerns of an industry that requires time, investment, and adequate infrastructure for such a major transition. The EU's ability to balance its environmental aspirations with economic and logistical feasibility will be crucial to the success of this potential revolution.