A leading figure within the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Manuel Hagel, has publicly voiced concerns regarding the European Commission’s potential ban on combustion engine vehicles for company car fleets and rental vehicles starting in 2030. In a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Hagel expressed his apprehension about the proposed measure, highlighting its potential impact on businesses and the economy.
Hagel characterized the planned prohibition as an unwarranted intrusion on entrepreneurial autonomy and a potentially impractical policy with significant repercussions for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and employment levels. He specifically pointed to insufficient charging infrastructure as a key obstacle, particularly in rural areas of Baden-Württemberg, arguing that the current density of charging stations is far from adequate to support such a rapid transition.
The CDU politician urged the European Commission to adopt a more technology-neutral approach, advocating for a climate-friendly mobility strategy grounded in practicality rather than ideological restrictions. He emphasized that exploring alternative technologies, including synthetic fuels, hydrogen drives and further development of combustion engine technology, all contribute to reducing carbon emissions. Hagel concluded his letter by formally requesting that the Commission reconsider and halt the current proposal in its present form.