Four European Union member states have urged the European Commission to prioritise the greening of private vehicle fleets, in a bid to accelerate the bloc’s transition to zero-emission mobility.
In a joint letter dated 7 October to Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, transport ministers from Ireland, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands called for a legislative proposal on light vehicles to be included in the European executive’s work programme for 2025.
The move comes as sales of electric vehicles (EVs) have shown a downward trend in 2024, raising concerns about the demand required for carmakers to meet their CO₂ emissions targets.
“Corporate fleets, characterised by high annual mileage and rapid vehicle turnover, are a prime target for accelerating the transition to zero-emission mobility,” the European Commission noted in the preamble to its consultation launched in February 2024.
The four member states argue that national measures alone are insufficient to address the market failure of corporate zero-emission car uptake, which has lagged behind the private market for the third consecutive year.
“Having set out the pathway for a transition toward zero-emission vehicles with new CO₂ emission standards, and having set binding targets for public charging under the AFIR Regulation, it is increasingly clear that we need to consider action on the demand side in order to push zero-emission vehicle sales,” the letter stated.
The Commission has not yet indicated the outcome of its consultation, but the new dossier has been placed at the top of its agenda to encourage vehicle decarbonisation.
The push from these member states reflects growing pressure on the Commission to bolster demand for zero-emission vehicles, as the EU seeks to meet its ambitious climate targets. The proposed legislation on light vehicles could secure the demand necessary for carmakers to meet their emissions reduction obligations.
Industry experts suggest that mandating private players to green their fleets could provide a significant boost to the EV market, driving innovation and investment in the sector.
The Commission is expected to respond to the letter in the coming weeks, potentially outlining its plans for the legislative proposal in 2025. The move is seen as a critical step in the EU’s broader strategy to decarbonise its transport sector and meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
