The CEO of BMW, Oliver Zipse, has urged European leaders to reconsider their plan to ban the sale of new fossil fuel-emitting cars by 2035.
Speaking at the Paris Motor Show, Zipse noted the need to reduce reliance on China’s battery supply chain and leverage Europe’s technological strengths.
Zipse expressed concern about the current sentiment in Europe, describing it as “trending towards one of pessimism.”
He argued for a new regulatory framework that would allow for a diverse range of technologies, including alternative fuels such as e-fuels, biofuels, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
“A correction of the 100% BEV target for 2035 as part of a comprehensive CO2-reduction package would also afford European OEMs less reliance on China for batteries,” he said.
In March 2023, the European Union approved a landmark law mandating that all new cars must produce zero CO2 emissions by 2035, effectively phasing out diesel and petrol vehicles.
More also, the law requires a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions from 2030 compared to 2021 levels.
However, several automakers, including BMW, Volkswagen, and Renault, along with the Italian government, have advocated for the easing or postponement of these targets due to concerns over potential fines stemming from lower-than-expected electric vehicle (EV) sales.
Despite these concerns, Germany has resisted calls for an early review of the targets, emphasising the necessity for clarity in industry regulations and the urgency of addressing climate change.
“To maintain the successful course, a strictly technology-agnostic path within the policy framework is essential,” Zipse added.
Meanwhile, during the same event in Paris, the head of France’s auto association, PFA, did not explicitly call for the cancellation of the 2035 ban but highlighted the importance of revisiting the targets.
“It is necessary to quickly come back around the table to discuss the review of the targets,” he remarked, referring to the current review scheduled for 2026.
Boluwatife Enome
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