In a news update dated 2 April 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) urged the European Commission to maintain a clear and credible long-term signal in favour of zero-emission corporate vehicles. In an opinion adopted at the March plenary, the Committee reiterated that the end goal should remain zero-emission vehicles, while noting that low-emission vehicles—when used primarily in electric mode—can support alternative fuel infrastructure and industrial adaptation in the short to medium term.
The opinion assesses the Commission’s proposed Regulation on Clean Corporate Vehicles, arguing it should prioritise zero-emission vehicles but also acknowledge the transitional role of low-emission options to preserve quality jobs and the competitiveness of Europe’s automotive sector during an orderly transition to full electrification.
National targets: avoid “below the market”
The EESC supports an EU-wide demand-side approach but stresses national targets should not fall below what the market is already delivering. It warns that targets below the market risk turning the Regulation into unnecessary red tape while weakening demand signals crucial for supply planning, charging deployment, grid investment and vehicle residual values.
The Committee also argues that a national planning approach is preferable to company-level targets, to reduce administrative burden and legal risk while improving predictability and limiting distortions in leasing and subcontracting markets.
Tax incentives and technology neutrality
The EESC calls on Member States to consider tax incentives to decarbonise corporate fleets, including removing direct and indirect advantages for fossil-fuel company cars.
It also reiterates the importance of technology neutrality, recommending performance objectives rather than prescribing specific technologies.
Why corporate fleets matter
The background section notes there are nearly 290 million vehicles on European roads, with only 6 million being zero-emission. Corporate vehicles account for 60% of new car registrations and up to 90% of new van registrations in the EU—making them a key lever to accelerate the market for zero- and low-emission vehicles.
The Commission proposal, unveiled in December 2025 as part of the Automotive Package, would require Member States to ensure that from 2030 a specified share of new corporate car and van registrations by large undertakings are zero- and low-emission, including a sub-target for zero-emission vehicles, with targets varying by Member State.
