“The transition to clean corporate fleets must be an opportunity for SMEs, not a constraint that limits their ability to operate, invest and grow.”
A successful transition to clean corporate fleets must reflect the operational realities of SMEs”, stated SMEunited Secretary General Véronique Willems in reaction to the European Commission’s initiative on clean corporate fleets.
SMEs play a central role in Europe’s mobility ecosystem. This includes leasing and rental companies, as well as local service providers such as cleaning or maintenance firms, construction contractors, logistics and delivery companies, and businesses that provide essential services such as waste collection, or facility management. For many SMEs, particularly those operating in rural areas, switching entirely to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is not yet feasible. Charging infrastructure and limited payload capacity make further public investment in infrastructure necessary.
To ensure the Clean Corporate Fleets Initiative delivers real climate benefits while safeguarding economic viability, SMEunited is calling for an incentive-based approach. Investment in charging infrastructure, especially along the TEN-T network, in industrial zones, and in rural areas, is essential for success. Equally crucial is dedicated support for SME-specific solutions, such as storage, workplace and home-based charging.
In addition, SMEunited emphasises the importance of building confidence in the second-hand ZEV market, which is crucial for both SMEs and private consumers. Currently, falling residual values and high repair costs are hindering uptake. A robust framework that ensures the repairability of electric vehicles and provides access to technical information and battery health data would make vehicles more attractive and extend their lifecycles.
Urban mobility policies must also consider SMEs. Low and zero emission zones can support cleaner cities. With transitional periods, exemptions for essential services and access to affordable public charging, cities can become thriving environments for SMEs and citizens. To avoid fragmentation and legal uncertainty, harmonised access rules and enforcement are needed across regions.
