The unelected ineptocracy in Brussels could force rental and corporate fleets to switch to EVs by 2030.

The EU is drafting legislation that could force rental and corporate fleets to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, Bild reported on Saturday, citing sources in Brussels.

The sinister directive is reportedly being quietly discussed by the European Commission and could be unveiled as early as late summer before going to the European Parliament.

The regulation is seen as a backdoor to accelerate the forced green transition and enforce the bloc’s combustion-engine ban, which mandates a 100% cut in CO2 emissions from new cars by 2035, effectively outlawing gasoline and diesel vehicles.

Car manufacturers have criticized the plan as too costly and requiring full conversions of production lines.

The new rules will reportedly apply to all rental companies and businesses with car fleets across the bloc. If approved, such entities will only be allowed to purchase electric-powered vehicles, thus impacting around 60% of new car sales.

A Commission spokesperson confirmed that work is underway on such a plan but declined to provide details.

Lawmakers warn the measure could harm Europe’s rental sector: companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Sixt already scaled back EV fleets in 2024, citing poor charging infrastructure, high repair costs, and weak resale values.

EU MP Markus Ferber urged the Commission to drop the plan, calling it unrealistic. Sixt CEO Nico Gabriel agreed, warning that few vacationers rent EVs and that mandatory electrification would drive up rental costs due to charging infrastructure needs.

Critics say Europe’s green push is straining its auto industry and wider economy. Carmakers face penalties if they fail to boost EV sales and must spend heavily on new production lines, batteries, chargers, and grid upgrades.

The transition also threatens jobs: automaker Stellantis warned this month it could close plants if it fails to meet EU deadlines. Former EU commissioner Thierry Breton warned the shift to EVs could cost 600,000 jobs.

Other sectors face similar problems, especially as Brussels phases out Russian energy, imports of which have dropped sharply in light of Ukraine-related sanctions.

Russian officials have warned that rejecting its fuel supplies will force the EU to rely on costlier alternatives or rerouted Russian energy via intermediaries. You can share this story on social media:

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