A Ban On ICE Vehicles: What Should Fleets Do Now?

According to Bloomberg, the European Commission is reportedly preparing a proposal that would mandate rental car providers and corporate fleets to only purchase electric vehicles by 2030. This move, not yet in stone, could accelerate the EU’s broader plan to phase out combustion engine vehicle sales, targeting high-mileage fleets to drive emissions reductions sooner. The potential implications of this plan can be significant, since around 60% of all new cars in the EU are registered to corporate owners and rental providers, making this proposal impactful not just for fleet operators but for the entire automotive supply chain, according to Electrive. 

What’s Being Proposed? 

Bloomberg states this developing plan would require 100% of new fleet vehicle purchases by rental firms and corporations to be electric by 2030.  Which EVXL explains, builds on the current target of a 75% quota by 2027, aligns with broader EU efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and efforts to phase out combustion vehicle sales by 2035. However this plan may move the timeline forward, especially for many fleets that are responsible for a substantial portion of road transport emissions. This plan has not yet been finalized but we can expect it to be unveiled later this summer and then submitted for parliamentary approval. 

How Are Companies Responding?

The draft plan is already drawing attention from both political and industry stakeholders. Fleet operators and rental companies such as Sixt SE and Europcar Mobility Group will be directly affected if the proposal moves forward, says ET Auto, a trusted news platform. Sixt SE, for example, phased out Tesla EVs in 2023 but still plans for 70-90% EV fleet in Europe by 2030. Additionally, Vision Mobility states lawmakers and national ministries are questioning its practicality, regarding infrastructure readiness and upfront costs for many fleets. 

What This Means For Fleets?

If passed, this mandate would put fleet operators at the center of Europe's decarbonization efforts. As EVXL reports, this quota would effectively accelerate the transition timeline for fleets by five years compared to the private market, forcing businesses to overhaul purchasing strategies, charging infrastructure, and maintenance operations much sooner. Companies may face higher upfront costs as they replace combustion vehicles with EVs and expand depot or on-site charging capacity. However, the shift could yield long-term savings through lower fuel and maintenance costs, along with tax incentives and subsidies already offered to encourage EV adoption.

From a broader perspective, focusing on high-mileage fleets supports the EU’s net-zero ambitions while also familiarizing more drivers with EVs, since fleets play a big role in familiarizing drivers with EVs. Many first-time EV users experience them through rentals, meaning this policy could indirectly boost private EV sales down the line and push manufacturers to ramp up production to meet new demand.

How Data Can Help You Stay Ahead?

You don't have to be alone to navigate a sweeping transition like this. At EVE, an e-mobility intelligence software, we enable fleet operators to plan, deploy, and optimize their fleets’ electrification. Providing tailored TCO analysis, charging infrastructure strategy, and actionable data insights. We support fleets in evaluating how to transition to EVs efficiently, aligning fleet operations with evolving policies while maximizing cost savings and sustainability goals. Our sector-agnostic approach means we can help rental providers and corporate fleets assess immediate steps they can take, whether piloting EV integrations, planning infrastructure upgrades, or preparing procurement strategies that ensure compliance and cost efficiency if the 2030 proposal advances.

The path toward electrification is not a matter of if but when. With EVE’s help your fleet can avoid rushed decisions later, capture long-term savings, and lead in the transition to sustainable mobility. Learn more about how EVE can help your fleet stay ahead.