European businesses call on Commission to reject corporate fleet mandates

Leaseurope has coordinated a joint letter from organisations representing businesses across the European automotive and mobility ecosystem, calling on the European Commission to reconsider mandatory targets for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) purchases by corporate fleets. In the letter, industry actors warn that such mandates could place additional pressure on the competitiveness of European companies and the wider automotive industry.

The signatories underline that companies are already playing a leading role in the transition to cleaner mobility, but that the pace of ZEV uptake remains constrained by factors including total cost of ownership, insufficient charging infrastructure, grid capacity and permitting challenges. They call instead for the Commission and Member States to focus on removing these barriers and improving the enabling conditions for corporate fleet electrification.

The letter further argues that mandatory procurement targets could lead companies to retain vehicles for longer or reduce new vehicle purchases, potentially affecting vehicle registrations and the ability of businesses to provide essential mobility, delivery and service functions. According to the signatories, experience from European markets with higher ZEV uptake points to sustained incentives and investment in enabling infrastructure rather than purchase mandates as the basis for accelerating the transition.

Leaseurope and the other organisations therefore call for an incentive-led approach that supports fleet electrification while taking account of different business needs and market conditions across Europe. They also highlight the importance of developing a robust second-hand ZEV market and expanding charging infrastructure to make cleaner corporate mobility more accessible and affordable.