The German government is adopting a cautious stance regarding recent reports suggesting a potential phase-out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for rental companies and corporate fleets within the European Union by 2030.
A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action confirmed that the European Commission is currently developing a legislative proposal focused on decarbonizing commercial vehicle fleets. This proposal is expected to include various suggestions aimed at increasing the proportion of low-emission vehicles within these fleets.
However, the spokesperson emphasized that the Commission has yet to formally present these proposals to member states. “What we are seeing are press reports and I will not comment on something that has not been officially presented” she stated.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, addressing inquiries about charging infrastructure, pointed to the governing coalition’s agreement. This document explicitly states that the German government supports the electrification of corporate fleets and will create the necessary framework conditions, particularly through initiatives focused on expanding charging infrastructure. The spokesperson also clarified that the government rejects the implementation of mandatory, across-the-board quotas.
Reports in “Bild am Sonntag” previously indicated that the EU Commission is considering a ban on internal combustion engine vehicles for rental companies and corporate fleets starting in 2030. These reports, citing EU sources, suggest the potential regulation could impact roughly 60 percent of new vehicle sales within this sector.