A significant pushback against proposed regulations phasing out combustion engine vehicles for rental car operators and company fleets by 2030 is emerging in Germany. Members of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) parliamentary group in the Bundestag have voiced strong objections to the potential ban.
Tilman Kuban, head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group’s European Affairs working group, criticized the proposal as being detached from reality. He suggested that officials involved in formulating the regulations should experience firsthand the challenges of electric vehicle infrastructure in other European countries, recommending vacations in nations like Croatia, Bulgaria, or Greece, where charging options are limited compared to major German cities.
The federal government has also expressed its dissent. A spokesperson for Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) confirmed the government’s firm opposition to the proposed ban, stating that they have communicated their concerns to vehicle rental companies. The spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing the regulation from being implemented in its current form. The debate highlights ongoing discussions surrounding the feasibility and impact of transitioning to electric vehicle fleets across Europe.
