Auto industry braces for EU’s ‘backdoor ban’ on petrol vehicles in 2030

EU Plans New Electric Vehicle Mandate for Corporate Fleets

Brussels intends to introduce a new requirement pushing corporate fleets to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) before the EU’s internal combustion engine (ICE) ban takes full effect in 2035. This move is seen as an indirect or “backdoor” ban on petrol vehicles starting in 2030.

Impact on Automakers and Market Dynamics

The proposed mandate targets businesses managing large vehicle fleets, accelerating the transition to EVs well ahead of the 2035 cutoff for petrol and diesel cars. Automakers are preparing for significant changes in production and sales strategies to meet this evolving regulatory environment.

Strategic Approach and Regulatory Timeline

By focusing first on corporate fleets, the EU aims to reduce emissions substantially and promote EV adoption more rapidly. The 2030 timeline bridges the gap before the full combustion engine ban, emphasizing early market transformation.

“This approach effectively tightens emissions rules through fleet regulations, signaling a major shift in vehicle policy,” analysts have observed.

The EU’s plan to enforce EV use in corporate fleets by 2030 pressures automakers and businesses to quicken their electric transition, marking a crucial step toward the combustion engine phase-out in 2035.

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Financial Times Financial Times — 2025-11-30

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