BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has urged the European Union to reconsider the planned ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. He believes the ban could lead to overreliance on China’s battery supply chain and hinder Europe’s technological competitiveness.
Zipse advocates for a more flexible approach that allows for various alternative technologies, including e-fuels, biofuels, and hydrogen fuel cell cars. He emphasizes the need for a technology-agnostic policy framework to ensure Europe’s continued success in the automotive industry.
While the EU has approved the 2035 ban, carmakers like BMW, VW, and Renault have expressed concerns about meeting the stringent CO2 emission targets. These companies fear the impact of heavy fines if EV sales fall short of expectations.
Germany, BMW’s home country, has resisted calls for an early review of the targets, citing the need for clarity and the urgency of addressing climate change. However, the French automotive association has suggested revisiting the targets sooner than the planned 2026 review.
In the UK, the government has confirmed plans to accelerate the ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 to 2030. However, there is still uncertainty regarding which types of hybrid vehicles will be allowed to remain on sale.
The growing presence of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers at events like the Paris Motor Show highlights the global competition in the automotive industry. As Europe transitions to electric vehicles, reducing reliance on foreign battery supply chains becomes increasingly important.
Zipse’s call for a reassessment of the petrol and diesel car ban reflects the ongoing debate within the industry about the best path towards sustainable mobility.
Source: Mail Online