The planned EU regulation to electrify corporate fleets is expected to raise car‑rental prices, according to Sixt’s chief executive, Konstantin Sixt, who said to “Handelsblatt” that any increase in vehicle costs would have to be passed on to customers.
The European Commission wants the proportion of low‑emission and zero‑emission vehicles in commercial fleets to rise sharply. In Germany, the draft legislation sets a target of up to 83 % by 2030, with a further increase to 95 % by 2035.
Industry critics, including Sixt, have voiced concerns. He described the rule as a “burner‑out through the back door”, warning of higher operational costs, implementation challenges and an increasing reliance on Chinese battery suppliers. Recent proposals from elements of the German federal government and the EU Parliament aim to further relax the measures.
The regulation is part of the so‑called Automotive Package, which the Commission presented in late 2025 and is currently being negotiated between the European Parliament and the Council.
