This proposed regulation is part of the EU’s simplification agenda. It includes vehicle and environmental technical amendments designed to support the automotive industry, but which also affect workers and consumers. For example, electric commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 4.5 tonnes are to be exempted from the requirement to have a control device to monitor driving and rest periods, as well as a speed limiter. Furthermore, EU type-approval legislation is to introduce the new subcategory ‘small European electric vehicle'. Simplifications are also planned for the charging of electric vehicles.

From AK's perspective, road safety and the well-being of workers must not be compromised in the name of simplification. Therefore, the mandatory installation of monitoring devices and speed limiters in commercial vehicles must be ensured. Regarding the bidirectional charging of electric cars, any simplifications must ensure that the vehicle battery can be used as a mobile storage unit. As for small European electric vehicles, 'Made in Europe' rules must be designed to achieve their objectives.