The European Parliament's joint environment and transport committee on 3 June 2026 debated a draft report proposing binding targets for zero- and low-emission vehicles in large corporate fleets, exposing a divide between centre-left and centre-right groups. S&D co-rapporteurs Tiemo Wölken and Thomas Pellerin-Carlin proposed a 70% zero- and low-emission share for new corporate car registrations by 2030 (54% fully electric) and 88% zero-emission by 2035, with exemptions for essential service vehicles and a mandate for member states to support second-hand markets. Pellerin-Carlin argued that electric vehicles are already cheaper over their lifecycle and called for ending combustion-engine subsidies by 2030, while promoting EU-made vehicles and e-bikes.
EPP's R. De La Hoz Quintano pushed back, demanding technological neutrality and affordability. ECR members Jacek Ozdoba, Anna Zalewska, and C. Fidanza rejected the targets as unrealistic and harmful to industry, citing infrastructure gaps and dependence on Chinese batteries. PfE's Anne-Sophie Frigout and Roman Haider called the proposal a 'planned economy' that would increase costs for SMEs. Renew's Pascal Canfin supported the text, while Jan-Christoph Oetjen opposed regulating taxation and sought exemptions for leasing and SMEs. Greens-EFA's K. Tegethoff backed stronger second-hand market provisions.
The deadline for amendments is 10 June, with a vote expected on 4 November. The proposal would affect large corporate fleets, leasing companies, SMEs (exempted), the automotive industry, and second-hand car buyers. The debate highlighted tensions between accelerating electrification and concerns over industrial competitiveness, infrastructure readiness, and consumer costs.