Campaigners call for zero emission corporate fleet targets

Campaigners from the Climate Group’s flagship fleet initiatives EV100 and EV100+ have called for an EU-wide mandate for zero emission corporate fleet targets for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs). 

Some 18 leading businesses including E.On Drive, Geopost and Ikea say the targets would be an important measure to speed up the uptake of zero emission vehicles in Europe. 

In a letter to the European Commission, the group calls for a mandate that would ensure the EU remains a key market for zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).

It says it would also set a clear direction to all EU fleet owners and operators that they should invest in ZEVs, driving demand that could boost European automaker competitiveness. 

EV100 members have already committed to switch their fleets to electric by 2030, and EV100+ members are investing in zero emission technologies for heavier trucks too.

A corporate fleet mandate would mean all fleet operators moving forward along a set, ambitious timeline, argues the Climate Group. Head of transport, Dominic Phinn, said: “A corporate fleet mandate for all vehicles is a key tool the EU should be using to drive emissions down. 

“EV100 and EV100+ members have welcomed the adoption of key regulations at EU level, such as the Regulation on CO2 emissions standards for cars, vans and MHDVs and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), and these will complement a fleet mandate by ensuring supply of ZEVs and consistent deployment of charging infrastructure across the EU. 

“EV100 and EV100+ members have already committed to specific zero emission fleet targets across vehicle segments and we want to work with the European Commission in the design of the initiative to help businesses switch to zero emission faster.”  

E.On Drive’s CEO, Davide Villa, believes that implementing a mandate for transport decarbonisation is crucial for achieving climate goals and ensuring a sustainable future.

“Such a mandate provides businesses with the necessary certainty to invest in infrastructure and electric fleets today, paving the way for a significant reduction in emissions,” he said.

“Clear and binding decarbonisation plans enable companies like E.ON Drive to proactively address challenges such as grid connectivity, ensuring a smoother transition to electrified fleets. “This not only accelerates our collective efforts towards a zero-emission future but also strengthens Europe's position as a leader in climate action.” 

EV100 is a global initiative led by the international non-profit Climate Group, which brings together companies committed to making electric transport the new normal by 2030.