Legislation News
SearchProposed, adopted or changed laws and regulations materially affecting relevant markets.
China exempts sodium-ion batteries as Hina plans 10 GWh factory
China will exempt qualifying sodium-ion batteries from consumption tax through 2028, while Hina plans a 10 GWh production base in Wuhan and is developing electric sanitation trucks. Tests also reported strong cold-weather performance in a heavy truck.
Dutch ITS rules require traffic information to be shared digitally
The revised Dutch ITS-Regeling, in force since 21 December 2025, requires authorities to make specified traffic information available in machine-readable form. Obligations expand by data type and road network through 2028, covering traffic rules, closures, roadworks and safety alerts.
Groups urge EU measures to scale battery recycling
T&E, Recharge, Clean Tech for Europe and EIES have called for the Circular Economy Act to curb black-mass exports and support Europe’s battery refining and recycling capacity through harmonised rules, incentives and funding.
Commentary contrasts Europe’s auto policy with China’s EV industry
A commentary compares China’s electric-car and battery industries with Europe’s, arguing that Europe’s auto-policy deal weakens incentives to electrify and risks undermining its battery industry.
NSW RFS to take ownership of 6,000-vehicle fleet in 2027
Legislation will transfer ownership of more than 6,000 NSW Rural Fire Service vehicles from councils to the RFS from 1 July 2027. A $470 million investment over 10 years includes up to eight regional maintenance hubs and fleet safety and maintenance upgrades.
5GAA demonstrates C-V2X technology as India considers a V2V mandate
At a New Delhi conference, 5GAA members demonstrated C-V2X applications for road hazards, traffic and vulnerable-road-user alerts. The association also discussed India’s proposed V2V mandate and advocated for 5.9 GHz spectrum allocation and implementation standards.
Australian Coalition pledges to scrap electric-car tax discount
The Australian Coalition says it would abolish the Electric Car Discount if elected in 2028, claiming the move would save A$2.1 billion. The policy provides an FBT exemption for eligible EVs.
Honda warns proposed 50% US tariffs on Canadian vehicles would be catastrophic
American Honda executive Jennifer Thomas warned that doubling US tariffs on Canadian vehicles and parts to 50% could be catastrophic for the industry. She called for the US, Canada and Mexico to preserve a trilateral trade framework.
Australian inquiry recommends tyre recycling and retreading reforms
A parliamentary inquiry has made 12 recommendations to strengthen Australia’s tyre circular economy, including harmonised regulations, stronger stewardship, improved recovery of off-the-road tyres and support for retreading. The proposals are not yet new requirements for fleet operators.
NSW strata law protects owners’ right to install EV chargers
New South Wales has passed strata-law amendments preventing committees from unreasonably opposing EV charger installations. The rules set out responsibilities for owners and corporations, including planning building-wide charging capacity, and invalidate unreasonable prohibitions.
Chery apologises as Malaysia investigates Omoda 5 axle failure
Chery chairman Yin Tongyue apologised over quality concerns after an Omoda 5 lost its rear axle assembly in Malaysia. The regulator suspended new registrations while investigating, and a recall covers 8,878 vehicles.
T&E study links EU company-car electrification to jobs and investment
T&E estimates that faster electrification of large corporate fleets, alongside Made-in-EU conditions on financial support, could create up to 344,000 additional jobs and €18bn in extra investment by 2030. Germany and Poland are forecast to gain the most.
EU clean corporate vehicle rules could create €48bn and 344,000 jobs
Fraunhofer ISI modelling commissioned by T&E estimates that strong implementation of the EU Clean Corporate Vehicles Regulation could generate up to €48bn in value creation and 344,000 jobs by 2030, with gains linked to faster electrification and EU-based production.
Guide outlines Dutch fleet rules and management systems
A GPS-Buddy guide explains how fleet-management systems support vehicle tracking, costs and compliance, and outlines Dutch requirements including the truck levy and smart tachographs introduced in 2026, plus a 2027 levy on some fossil-fuel and hybrid company cars.
Regulators await WRC-27 framework for direct-to-device satellite services
Regulators in Spain, the UK and the US outlined differing approaches to direct-to-device satellite services using terrestrial spectrum. A permanent international framework is expected from WRC-27, while regulators rely on national rules and coordination in the interim.
T&E warns Franco-German deal could weaken EU car and battery industries
T&E says a proposed Franco-German agreement to loosen EU car CO₂ standards and Made-in-EU requirements could slow EV uptake and undermine European battery manufacturing. It warns that low sourcing thresholds could put 164 GWh of battery capacity at risk in 2027 and 254 GWh in 2030.
EU product passports must support repair and recovery decisions
The article examines how the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation will introduce product passports progressively. It argues that reliable, updateable records should help repairers, manufacturers and recyclers make practical decisions, while noting that requirements vary by product and measure.
US proposal would codify English-proficiency out-of-service rules for truck drivers
FMCSA proposed codifying English-language proficiency violations as out-of-service offences, following a sharp rise in orders after enforcement resumed in June 2025. The article outlines roadside checks and the operational consequences for carriers.
US fuel-economy rollback could favour pickups and V8 engines
The US has lowered light-duty fuel-economy targets and ended penalties for non-compliance, potentially freeing automakers to sell more pickups and larger-engine vehicles. Analysts say the change could also shift investment away from regulatory-compliance projects.
Updated MG IM LS9 spotted with added sensors and semi-hidden door handles
A camouflaged IM LS9 SUV was spotted testing in Shanghai with a new front-fender camera and LiDAR unit, hinting at an upgraded assisted-driving system. Its semi-hidden handles are expected to comply with Chinese safety rules due to take effect in 2027.
T&E says plug-in hybrids emit six times official CO₂ figures
A T&E report says 2024 plug-in hybrids emitted around six times their official CO₂ figures, adding up to €680 in annual fuel costs for drivers. It urges governments to retain the EU’s next utility-factor correction, due in November 2026.
APPG urges wider use of £2.2bn in unspent levy funds for roads
The APPG for Better Roads has urged the UK Government to make it easier for councils in England and Wales to use unspent Community Infrastructure Levy funds for road improvements, including maintenance. Its report recommends clearer guidance and changes to legislation.
US diesel relief measures may offer limited savings to trucking fleets
US trucking fleets face diesel prices above $6 a gallon. Potential Russian supply and temporary federal relief for highway use of dyed diesel may offer only modest savings, while tax obligations, state rules and fuel availability remain uncertain.
T&E says EU battery supply can meet EU-UK origin rules in 2027
T&E analysis says planned EU battery and cathode active material capacity will exceed requirements for EV exports to the UK under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. It argues the rules of origin should take effect in January 2027, as scheduled.
London Assembly urges TfL to cap driverless passenger vehicles
A London Assembly committee recommends giving TfL power to issue and withdraw autonomous passenger service permits, set operator conditions and cap vehicle numbers when full Automated Vehicles Act regulations take effect in 2027. It also calls for 24-hour crash and near-miss reporting.
Stellantis CEO calls for incentives for carmakers manufacturing in Europe
Stellantis chief Antonio Filosa urged European regulators to reward and protect carmakers that design and build vehicles in the region, backing proposed EU local-content rules as Chinese rivals gain market share.
Toyota warns Australia’s 2027 emissions targets could raise light commercial vehicle prices
Toyota says tighter Australian emissions targets from 2027 could put upward pressure on commercial-vehicle prices, but it has announced no increases. The warning comes as the company reports continued fleet demand for diesel HiLux models and plans to seek changes to light commercial vehicle targets.
T&E calls for wider ticketing obligations in the EU Passenger Package
T&E says the EU Passenger Package should require major rail booking platforms to sell more cross-border journeys and let passengers retain single-ticket rights when adding travel later. It argues wider coverage could make rail more attractive and support a shift from air and road travel.
China consults on new vehicle safety and technology rules
China’s MIIT is consulting on draft rules covering moving seats, large and flexible displays, user-defined lighting messages and hidden door handles, with proposed safety tests and restrictions on some features.
China and EU reach understanding on hybrid vehicle trade
China and the EU have agreed on an approach to manage Chinese hybrid vehicle exports, potentially avoiding additional tariffs. Specific measures are pending European procedures; the Commission forecasts exports over the next four years to be more than half below earlier projections.
IRU and T&E seek EU category for semi-private truck charging
IRU and T&E urge the European Commission to recognise semi-private charging as a distinct category in the AFIR review. They propose proportionate rules for voluntary third-party access to depot and logistics-site chargers, alongside simpler permitting, grid connections and funding.
UK weighs tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles
The UK is considering matching EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles amid pressure to align trade policy and concerns about possible retaliation from Beijing. Chinese brands’ share of UK car registrations has also risen sharply, with hybrid sales contributing more growth than battery-electric vehicles.
France and Germany reportedly agree to seek weaker EU car emissions targets
France and Germany have reportedly agreed to seek a further easing of EU car emissions rules, including a lower 2035 target and more time to meet the 2030 goal. Their proposed changes go beyond the European Commission’s existing plan.
Connected-vehicle rules raise market-access and compliance stakes for automakers
The US Connected Vehicle Rule restricts certain China- and Russia-linked vehicle software and hardware, while European rules focus on cybersecurity, data governance and type approval. The article examines how regulation is prompting automakers to reassess regional strategies, platforms and supply chains.
50 organisations urge governments to implement ETS2 and use revenues to support households
A coalition of 50 companies, associations and civil society groups is urging EU governments to complete ETS2 transposition and use early revenues to help vulnerable households transition to clean energy. Sweden has begun using ETS2 revenues to support people switching to electric vehicles.
Research and testing rules complicate cannabis policies for truck drivers
Recent studies find that THC levels and drivers’ confidence do not reliably indicate driving impairment. The article examines the implications for US trucking fleets, including DOT testing rules, oral-fluid testing and proposed hair-testing guidelines.
T&E report links EU targets to growth in affordable electric cars
T&E says nearly 40 electric models launched in the first half of 2026, with sales of models priced below €25,000 set to rise sevenfold from 2024. EU battery-electric car sales reached 1.64 million from January to August, up 45% year on year; the group warns against weakening future targets.
T&E says EU CO₂ targets are driving record EV sales and affordable models
Transport & Environment reports 1.64 million BEVs were sold in the EU from January to August 2026, up 45% year on year. It says weakening the EU’s car CO₂ targets could slow EV sales, reduce affordable-model availability and undermine European manufacturers’ competitiveness.
Mazda says EV sales will help it meet Australia’s emissions rules
Mazda Australia says rising interest in its 6e and CX-6e, alongside more electric models expected, gives it confidence it can meet Australia’s New Vehicle Emissions Scheme targets through 2029 without penalties. It does not plan to join calls to weaken the rules.
Groups urge battery supply-chain criteria in Europe’s Industrial Accelerator Act
T&E, European Metals and RECHARGE have urged EU co-decision makers to include thresholds for refined battery-grade raw materials, pCAM, AAM and recycled materials in the Industrial Accelerator Act’s incentives, to support investment and resilient European supply chains.
Germany changes rules for vehicle-to-grid power flows
Germany’s grid agency has adopted rules allowing batteries, including those in electric cars, to draw power from and feed it back to the grid. Industry groups say complex requirements for state support and smart meters could still hinder bidirectional charging.
US sanctions target Iran’s automotive and rail sectors
The US Treasury has sanctioned Iran’s automotive and rail sectors under Operation Economic Outcast, alongside companies linked to the metals industry. The impact of the latest measures is unclear.
European businesses urge EU to retain heavy-duty vehicle CO₂ standards
European businesses and organisations urge the EU not to weaken heavy-duty vehicle CO₂ standards or bring forward their planned 2027 review, warning that changes could undermine investment certainty and the shift to electric trucks.
UNECE adopts global regulation for automated driving systems
A UNECE regulation adopted in June 2026 creates a common framework for automated driving systems spanning SAE Levels 3–5. It sets requirements for manufacturers’ safety management and vehicle assessment; first type-approved vehicles could emerge in late 2027 or 2028.
ACT raises electric truck outlook as policy support wanes
ACT has made modest upward revisions to its Class 8 battery-electric truck projections, while forecasting gradual zero-emission commercial-vehicle adoption overall. It expects costs to constrain growth in the near term, with faster uptake after 2030 as technology and charging improve.
T&E says EU battery-cell capacity can meet 2030 demand under local-content rules
T&E analysis finds Europe could supply enough battery cells by 2030 for eligible EU-built electric vehicles, if planned projects proceed. It says local-content requirements could strengthen demand and investment in European cathode materials and other battery components.
T&E says IAA incentives could strengthen Europe’s battery value chain
T&E says incentives in the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act are needed and achievable to scale Europe’s battery industry. It cites cancelled or shelved EU cell capacity and says European production could meet demand from eligible vehicles by 2030.
Grid bottlenecks threaten port and airport electrification in Europe
Ports and airports face long waits for grid connections as EU rules require shore power and electricity for aircraft at stands. The article proposes better network planning, on-site renewables and storage, smart charging and flexible connection agreements.
FCC proposes modernising US rules for ultra-wideband technology
The FCC has proposed updating its ultra-wideband rules, which the Car Connectivity Consortium says would support automotive digital key deployments by bringing regulation in line with current technology. The consortium plans to take part in the rulemaking.