German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed discontent over a proposed European Union mandate requiring rental car companies and large corporations to switch to electric vehicles by 2030.
Merz Critiques EU Plan
Friedrich Merz criticized the EU draft plan for mandatory fleet electrification by 2030 as out of touch with economic and practical realities. "The proposals announced over the weekend regarding rental car fleets and electrification completely ignore the needs we have in Europe right now," Merz said.
Germany's Position and Industry Implications
The German Chancellor made it clear that Berlin will not support climate mandates that create unrealistic expectations for businesses and citizens. The EU's plan would require firms like Sixt SE and Europcar Mobility Group to purchase only electric vehicles from the start of the next decade.
Debate on Future of Transportation Electrification in Europe
The fleet electrification proposal goes beyond the EU's goal to ban sales of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. Germany has urged for a more flexible approach to mobility decarbonization, promoting options like synthetic fuels and hydrogen.
Merz's critique of the electrification plan highlights growing discontent in Europe regarding potential impacts on the business ecosystem and the realities of transportation policy on the continent.
