The European Commission is reportedly considering new regulations that would require all new vehicles purchased by rental car companies and corporate fleets to be electric starting in 2030, according to a report by Bild am Sonntag. While the proposal is still in draft form and has yet to be officially introduced, it has already sparked opposition within industry circles and among European lawmakers.
The plan, expected to be presented later this summer, would form part of the European Union’s broader effort to accelerate the transition to zero-emission transport and support the competitiveness of the continent’s automotive industry. An initial draft from March already signaled intentions to raise the share of electric vehicles in fleet purchases, with more concrete figures—75% by 2027 and 100% by 2030—emerging in recent discussions.
The Commission has acknowledged ongoing work on updated fleet regulations but declined to confirm specific targets. A spokesperson noted that internal deliberations are still underway and no final proposal has been tabled. Any such regulation would need approval from both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
With around 60% of new vehicle registrations in the EU attributed to corporate and rental fleets, the potential impact of such a mandate would be significant. Still, resistance is mounting. German MEP Markus Ferber (CSU) reportedly urged Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to abandon the plan, warning that companies would purchase electric vehicles “merely to meet quotas.”
Richard Knubben, Director General of Leaseurope, cautioned earlier this month against moving too quickly. “Decisions here are being made out of conviction rather than based on facts,” he said. Sixt board member Nico Gabriel also raised concerns, stating, “Electric quotas for fleet operators are completely unsuitable as they do not address the root cause of the problem.” Gabriel argued that the real issue lies in the underdeveloped fast-charging infrastructure across Europe.
Although no final decision has been made, the early debate suggests that negotiations will be closely watched as Brussels prepares to formally introduce the regulation.
