Germany’s Merz Fires Back at EU’s Electric-Only Rental Car Mandate Plan

Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz has strongly criticized the European Union’s proposal to mandate electric-only rental cars by 2035. Merz argued that this policy overlooks the diversity of consumer needs and the current infrastructure challenges across member states.

In a recent statement, Merz emphasized the importance of technological neutrality and warned against forcing an exclusive transition to electric vehicles (EVs) without considering alternatives like hydrogen and synthetic fuels. He believes that the EU’s approach could have unintended economic consequences, particularly for the automotive and rental industries.

Key Points Raised by Friedrich Merz

• Technological Diversity: Merz advocates for supporting multiple sustainable technologies rather than focusing solely on electric vehicles.
• Infrastructure Concerns: He highlighted that not all EU countries have the necessary charging infrastructure in place to support a full switch to electric rental cars by the set deadline.
• Economic Impact: Potential negative effects on the automotive sector and rental car companies were also a concern, especially given the investment required to transition fleets.

Merz’s critique aligns with broader debates within the EU about balancing ambitious climate goals with the practical challenges of implementation across diverse member states. As discussions continue, stakeholders are watching closely to see how this policy might evolve to better accommodate varied needs.

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