Prominent companies, including IKEA and Geopost, are urging the EU to adopt mandatory zero-emission fleet targets for vehicles.
- The initiative involves 18 leading businesses, advocating for a comprehensive approach to decarbonising corporate fleets.
- A collective letter to the European Commission highlights the need for a clear mandate for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
- Key regulations like the CO2 emissions standards and Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation are seen as complementary measures.
- Leaders emphasise that such mandates are vital for meeting climate goals and supporting sustainable business practices.
In a concerted effort to accelerate the reduction of emissions in the transportation sector, a coalition of 18 influential businesses, including IKEA and Geopost, has called upon the European Union to implement mandatory targets for zero-emission corporate fleets encompassing cars, vans, and trucks. These companies are part of EV100, a division of the Climate Group, which consists of over 800 businesses dedicated to expediting the transition to net zero emissions.
The group has articulated the importance of establishing definitive zero-emission corporate fleet targets for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles as a pivotal strategy to enhance the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) across Europe. In their communiqué to the European Commission, they stress the necessity of a well-executed mandate to sustain the EU as a crucial market for ZEVs and to guide all fleet owners and operators towards investing in these sustainable technologies. Moreover, significant investments by large corporations are anticipated to invigorate the second-hand ZEV market, thereby fostering broader accessibility.
Members of EV100 have committed to transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles by 2030, and the EV100+ initiative focuses specifically on zero-emission technologies for heavier trucks. The head of transport for the Climate Group, Dominic Phinn, described a corporate fleet mandate as an essential measure that the EU should utilise to significantly reduce emissions. He noted that regulations such as the CO2 emissions standards and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) will reinforce the proposed fleet mandate by ensuring a steady supply of ZEVs and the consistent expansion of charging infrastructures.
Davide Villa, Chief Executive of E.On Drive, underscored the critical nature of establishing mandates for transport decarbonisation. He stated that such measures are crucial for reaching climate objectives and creating a sustainable future. He added that mandates provide businesses with the certainty needed to invest in electric fleets and infrastructure, paving the way for substantial emissions reductions.
Jean-Claude Sonet, Executive Vice President for Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability at Geopost, highlighted that accelerating the decarbonisation of corporate fleets will expedite the transformation of the road transport sector. He stressed that these measures must be implemented equitably and bolstered by appropriate supply-side strategies and supporting infrastructure.
The collective call by leading businesses underlines a strategic push towards sustainable transport solutions in Europe.
