Europe accelerates on electric and this time, it is not in lace. While the total ban on new thermal cars was scheduled for 2035, Brussels now wants to tackle the big players on the automotive market from 2030. In the crosshairs, Rental companies such as Sixt, Europcar or Hertz and all the business fleets that make up most of the French professional fleet.
These companies represent 60 % of new vehicle sales in Europeor a colossal lever to speed up the energy transition. When Sixt or Europcar massively buy electric cars, these vehicles automatically find themselves on the second -hand market two or three years later. A diverted, but effective means of democratizing electricity to individuals.
Professionals cry out in scandal
Nico Gabriel, the boss of Sixt, does not chew his words. For him, this measurement is out of good and simple blindness. His argument? The European charging infrastructure is still largely insufficient to support such tilting.
Rental companies have already started to reduce their electric fleets in the face of customer reluctance. Many prefer to pay more for a thermal vehicle rather than putting a little more journey time.
A revolution by the small door
This measure is akin to a disguised revolution. By first targeting professionals, the European Union, hopes to create a domino effect on the entire automotive market. The manufacturers will have to adapt their production, the infrastructure will develop by necessity, and individuals will eventually follow the movement by obligation.
The Bavarian MEP Markus Ferber is already sounding the alarm. In a letter addressed to Ursula von der Leyen, he describes this project ” unrealistic And calls on the President of the Commission to abandon her. For him, forcing companies to buy only electric without having prepared the land will lead to an economical and social fiasco.
With a presentation scheduled for the end of summer 2025 and a implementation from 2030, companies will only have five years to adapt. A very short time when you know that the cycles of renewal of fleets are generally spread over three to four years.
This acceleration of the European calendar also hides growing concern in Brussels. The target of 2035 for the general ban on thermals seems increasingly difficult to deal with political and technical resistance. Starting with professionals tests the field and adjusting the strategy if necessary.
The consequences for the French consumer remain difficult to predict. On the one hand, this measure could actually accelerate the democratization of used electric vehicles. On the other hand, it may explode rental prices and complicate tourist and professional trips.
The battle is just beginning. The European Parliament and the EU Council will have to validate this project which already promises to be one of the most sensitive files.
- Rental companies and business fleets will no longer be able to buy new thermal cars from 2030, or 5 years before the general ban
- This measure will affect players who represent 60 % of sales of new vehicles in Europe, creating a domino effect on the entire automotive sector
- Professionals denounce the insufficiency of charging infrastructure and fear a negative impact on the customer experience and prices
📍 To not miss any Citron press, follow us on Google News and Whatsapp.
