The aim is to determine whether a mandatory share of climate-friendly lorries, vans, and cars in company fleets could significantly accelerate the transformation of transport. The Commission plans to form an opinion on this by early next summer.
Private buyers, i.e., customers who purchase a vehicle in their own name, account for approximately 42 per cent of sales in the European car market. Various corporate entities purchase the remaining vehicles. Therefore, the European Commission has decided to explore possible initiatives to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles in corporate fleets to contribute to achieving the EU’s zero-emission transport targets.
An extensive stakeholder consultation was necessary to analyse the current situation in the company vehicle market, identify challenges and possible areas for action, and gather examples of best practices to accelerate the transition towards zero-emission transport. The EC is aware of the differences that exist between different types of company vehicle fleets, such as rental fleets, company cars, taxi companies, and large vehicle fleets in transport and logistics companies.
“When buying a vehicle, institutional buyers often use different criteria than private buyers, and they also have different operational requirements and specific charging infrastructure needs. All these aspects are reflected in the extensive consultation presented here on different types of vehicles and fleets,” notes the EC in its description of the public consultation.
The outcome of the consultation may result in a new regulation applicable to businesses in the EU, namely a minimum share of zero-emission vehicles in a company fleet. This will include operators of fleets of trucks, buses, and vans, as well as car rental and leasing companies.
However, the Commission’s work is at a very early stage. From February this year until 8 July, the European Commission collected opinions during a public consultation. The questionnaire was completed by 268 participants. The EC is working on an assessment of the responses, which it will present this autumn, with recommendations expected in Q2 next year.
TSL industry concerned
The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has spoken out on the European Commission’s plans.
“The EU passenger and freight road transport industry is fully committed to the European Union’s (EU) efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move towards a greener and more digital economy. However, it would be disproportionate, inappropriate, and incompatible with EU law to impose an obligation on companies to purchase zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs),” thunders the IRU.
The organisation stresses its opposition to mandating private operators to purchase any specific type of vehicle, including ZEVs.
“Instead of imposing unreasonable requirements on road transport operators, IRU calls on the European Commission to make a recommendation to Member States on the use of positive government incentives that would enable the adoption of carbon-neutral technology,” demands the association.
For passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, the IRU believes it is necessary to provide financial incentives for the deployment of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) before 2035.
“For HGVs, there is a need to support and encourage the long-term use of the three technology pillars for HGVs: hydrogen fuel cells, electric batteries, and internal combustion engines based on carbon-neutral fuels, including through the use of conversion systems for carbon-neutral fleets,” stresses the union.
