The government of the Balearic Islands drafts new law that requires rental car companies to phase out fossil fuel vehicles and to switch to a 100% electric fleet by 2030.
About 90,000 rental cars clog the roads of Mallorca during the summer — with another 30,000 split between the other islands — offering tourists, and some locals, a cheap way to get around. Competition is fierce and, if you reserve a few weeks in advance, it is possible to rent a small car for less than $100 a week (incl. taxes).
The result is that the islands have the highest density of vehicles in Spain, with 850 units per 1,000 inhabitants (not including vehicles registered on the mainland and circulating on the islands). The European Union’s average is 563 passenger car per 1,000 inhabitants.
According to Marc Pons, Balearic minister of territory and mobility, 35% of emissions on the islands come from motor vehicles.
The new law is expected to reach the Balearic parliament before the end of March, with the goal of switching the islands to all electric by 2030.
Read the full story: Balearic government leans towards electric, as rental cars overrun islands
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