Automotive sector rebels against mandatory electric vehicles in EU proposals
In a statement to the Funke media group's newspapers, Hildegard Müller, President of the VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry), has expressed her rejection of the new regulatory offensive proposed by the European Commission. The EU Commission has announced plans to ban internal combustion engines for car rental providers and corporate fleets from 2030, according to 'Bild am Sonntag.' This move is aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe. However, Müller has called for the European Commission to focus on improving framework conditions for electromobility instead. Müller's call for better framework conditions for the expansion of electromobility in Europe was made in the context of the proposed ban on internal combustion engine vehicles. She emphasized the need for decisive action on neglected framework conditions for electromobility in the EU. The proposed ban could significantly impact the automotive industry in Europe. Around 60 percent of new car sales could be affected, while the remaining 40 percent would be private customers. Currently, approximately 60 percent of all charging points in the EU are located in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. However, Müller highlighted the significant need for catch-up in the expansion of charging infrastructure in the EU. Hamburg has more charging points than Slovakia or Bulgaria, but the distribution of charging points across the EU is still uneven. Müller warned against one-sided regulation in regards to the proposed ban on internal combustion engine vehicles, stressing that setting targets is one thing, but enabling their achievement is another, and the EU is now in charge. Müller asserts that the proposed electric vehicle mandate for corporate fleets and car rental providers from 2030 shows a lack of understanding for improving framework conditions. She criticized this proposed ban, asserting that it would not necessarily lead to a rapid increase in EV sales, but could instead create bottlenecks in the supply of EVs. The European Commission's plans come as part of a broader push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. However, Müller's criticism was directed towards the European Commission, emphasizing her opposition to the proposed electric vehicle mandate for corporate fleets and car rental providers. The plans of the European Commission to allow only electric vehicles by 2030 for car rental companies and large corporations were announced by the European Commission itself. Last year, around 10.6 million vehicles were sold in the EU, according to 'Bild am Sonntag.' Müller has emphasized her opposition to the proposed ban, calling for the European Commission to focus on improving framework conditions for electromobility instead.
