Corporate electric fleets: EU targets and obligations for companies
The proposed European regulation on corporate car fleets would radically change the rules of the game for large companies. By 2030, choosing the composition of company car fleets would no longer be an optional strategic decision, but a regulatory obligation with binding targets and precise deadlines.
The new European regulation: what it provides
In December 2025, as part of the EU Automotive Package, the European Commission presented a draft regulation (Clean Corporate Vehicles) aimed at decarbonising corporate car fleets of large companies. For the first time, binding national targets are introduced for each Member State, with the goal of accelerating the rollout of zero- and low-emission vehicles (up to 50 g/km of CO₂).
Clean corporate vehicles regulation: targets for Italy
For Italy, the figures are clear. In annual new registrations of corporate fleets belonging to large companies, by 2030 at least 45% must consist of zero-emission vehicles (pure electric), while the overall share of zero- or low-emission vehicles must reach 69%. The targets become even more stringent in 2035, when 80% zero-emission vehicles and 95% zero- or low-emission vehicles will be required.
For light commercial vehicles, the 2030 targets are set at 36% and 40% respectively, with the same thresholds applying in 2035.
Clean corporate vehicles regulation: which companies are affected
The regulation does not apply to all businesses. Only large companies meeting at least two of the following three criteria are subject to the obligations:
- total balance sheet exceeding €20–25 million;
- net turnover exceeding €40–50 million;
- more than 250 employees on average per year.
SMEs are formally excluded, although they will inevitably be affected indirectly by the market transformation.
Why corporate fleets are a key lever for decarbonisation
Large companies represent only 0.16% of all EU businesses, yet they account for around 37% of all new car registrations in the Union. Fleet vehicles typically cover significantly higher mileage than private cars and disproportionately contribute to total road transport emissions. Moreover, with ownership or leasing periods of just 2–4 years, electric corporate fleets quickly feed the used-car market, making zero-emission vehicles accessible to a much broader range of consumers.
Criticism of the clean corporate vehicles regulation: the sector calls for flexibility
Opposition is not lacking. Industry associations such as ANIASA oppose the introduction of mandatory fleet quotas, calling instead for the transition to be driven by incentives and support measures rather than rigid constraints. The concern is that overly ambitious targets, in the absence of adequate charging infrastructure and mature market demand, could penalise companies instead of supporting them through the transition.
What changes in corporate fleet management
For large Italian companies, these targets require a structural shift in fleet management. The main implications include multi-year planning for vehicle renewal, assessing the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of electric vehicles compared to internal combustion vehicles, organising corporate charging infrastructure, and integrating ESG criteria into decision-making processes. Fleet management can no longer be purely operational: it must become strategic and measurable.
How to prepare for clean corporate vehicles: strategies for companies
Companies that want to be ready must act on several fronts:
- immediately carry out an analysis of their existing vehicle fleet;
- plan a progressive renewal towards electric corporate fleets;
- invest in charging infrastructure and monitor the evolution of European regulations.
Relying on specialised fleet management operators makes it possible to navigate this transition with reliable data, cost control, and operational continuity.
2030 is approaching. For corporate fleets, the electric transition is no longer a future prospect, but a concrete deadline.
Whatever the powertrain of your fleet, Escargo is here to help—discover all our services or contact us.