EU May Ban Gasoline Car Rentals by 2030

Main Points:

• The EU plans to prohibit fleet purchases of ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles by 2030
• Rental giants like Europcar and Sixt could be forced to switch to electric vehicles only
• Most rental fleet turnover occurs within 1–2 years, making renters face EV-only options by 2032
• New rules could significantly reduce combustion car sales and reshape Europe’s used car market
• Automakers may downsize ICE lineups earlier, affecting production viability and jobs
• The European Commission has not confirmed specific 2030 targets but is drafting new fleet policies

Fleets First: A Silent Shift Before the 2035 Ban

The EU’s official ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles won’t kick in until 2035, giving consumers another decade to choose between combustion engines and electric vehicles (EVs). But if you’re renting cars in Europe, your options could start narrowing much sooner.

According to German outlet Bild, the European Commission is preparing to introduce new fleet rules that would prohibit rental agencies and large corporate buyers from purchasing new ICE vehicles starting in 2030. The changes, still in development, would only allow the purchase of electric vehicles for fleet renewal, significantly accelerating the transition to EVs across Europe.

Why Rental Fleets Are Crucial

Rental companies like Sixt and Europcar play a pivotal role in the European auto market. Together with corporate fleets, they represent an enormous chunk of new vehicle sales — fleet and corporate sales account for up to 60% of total registrations across Europe. Rental companies alone contribute approximately 20% of that figure.

Because rental cars typically stay in circulation for just 12–24 months, the reported regulation could mean that by 2032, the average consumer renting a car in Europe may only be offered an electric option — even before combustion bans affect the broader public.

This timeline is aggressive but impactful. Even without consumer mandates, the mass migration of fleet buyers to EVs would dramatically reduce the volume of new combustion cars entering the market.

Economic Impact: From Production Lines to Used Car Lots

The implications of this policy could be far-reaching:

• Used car market: A sharp drop in combustion-engine fleet purchases would lead to a limited supply of used ICE vehicles by the mid-2030s, possibly driving up prices or restricting choice for budget-conscious buyers.
• Automaker strategy: Without the bulk sales from fleet orders, producing multiple ICE models becomes economically unsustainable. Manufacturers could begin phasing out combustion lineups before 2035, focusing instead on fewer, more profitable models.
• Jobs and industry: With reduced ICE production, employment in engine manufacturing and assembly plants could suffer earlier than projected. The shift to electric requires fewer parts and labor, which may speed up restructuring in the automotive workforce.

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EV Rentals: More Expensive, Less Popular

While many rental agencies already offer electric vehicles, they remain less popular than their ICE counterparts. Reasons include:

• Higher rental costs
• Range anxiety and charging inconvenience for tourists
• Higher repair costs for rental agencies

If the EU enforces the electric-only rule for fleets by 2030, the rental experience in Europe will change significantly. Tourists and business travelers accustomed to gas vehicles may need to adapt to range planning, charging stations, and longer wait times.

Regulatory Uncertainty Remains

So far, the European Commission has not publicly confirmed the details behind the proposed fleet restriction policy. Although EU officials told Bild they are indeed working on new regulations, no official statements were made to verify a 2030 cut-off date for combustion fleet sales.

This strategic silence may be deliberate, as policymakers gauge the reaction from automakers, rental giants, and the public before pushing through what could become one of the most aggressive EV mandates yet.

The Road Ahead: Quiet Acceleration Toward an Electric Future

If adopted, the 2030 fleet rule would act as a de facto acceleration of the EU’s 2035 combustion ban, reshaping the landscape of vehicle sales and mobility across the continent. It’s a stealthy but powerful move: rather than targeting consumers directly, the policy uses the fleet sector to drive EV adoption at scale, preparing infrastructure, support systems, and public habits for a full electric transition.

By the time 2035 arrives, most of Europe’s roads — especially in major cities — may already be dominated by electric cars. For now, the combustion engine isn’t gone, but its days — particularly in rental fleets — may be numbered sooner than expected.