BMW CEO Calls for Reevaluation of EU’s 2035 Gas-Engine Ban to Mitigate Reliance on Chinese Batteries

Oliver Zipse, the chief executive of BMW, urged for a halt on Europe's decision to eliminate sales of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 on Tuesday. He contends that this move will make European car manufacturers dependent on battery supplies from China.

During a press conference at the 2024 Paris auto show, which included Reuters among its attendees, Zipse expressed a growing sense of skepticism regarding the goal to achieve solely electric vehicle sales by 2035. He suggested that revising this goal could potentially reduce European car manufacturers' dependency on Chinese battery imports.

Conceptual design for the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X.

In 2021, the European Union set a goal, which led to member nations implementing tougher emissions regulations in March 2023 to align with the 2035 objective. Both car manufacturers and the Italian government have consistently contested the legislation. However, Volvo along with 49 other firms have collectively issued a plea for the EU authorities to remain firm on their established path.

BMW has established agreements with CATL from China and Samsung SDI from South Korea for its battery needs. These suppliers operate manufacturing sites on European soil. However, German car manufacturers face expectations to source their batteries from Europe-based firms. BMW intended to fulfill this by engaging in a $2 billion agreement with Northvolt of Sweden, yet the deal was scrapped by BMW earlier in the year. Following this, Northvolt revealed intentions to reduce expenses and downsize its business activities.

Conceptual design for BMW's Vision Neue Klasse X

BMW is set to increase its battery demand as it boosts production for its upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles. These new models will transition to cylindrical battery cells and adopt an architecture designed specifically for electric vehicles. The company plans to commence production in two European locations in 2025, and intends to expand production to a facility in Mexico by 2027.

Europe is worried that electric vehicles from China could challenge its own manufacturers. Even though the EU has imposed extra tariffs on Chinese EV imports, adding to the usual 10% car import fee, they are thinking about reducing these tariffs for some Chinese car producers.

Labels:

Participate:

Distribute This Story:

Get in touch with the journalist:

Stay Updated With Us:

Eco-Friendly Vehicle Digest

Register to receive daily updates on eco-conscious vehicles and environmental developments straight to your email!

I consent to getting email communication from Green Car Reports and acknowledge that I have the option to opt-out whenever I wish. Privacy Policy.

The experience of charging electric vehicles varies across different states.

THK has unveiled a concept electric vehicle created by the same designer behind the first Nissan Leaf model.

The renowned Honda Prelude model could make a comeback in the United States; however, it's possible that it won't come with a manual gearbox option.

The performance enhancement from John Cooper Works is now available in electric form for both the Cooper Electric Vehicle and the soon-to-be-re

Owners of vehicles that may experience a battery short circuit should avoid charging past 80% capacity until a solution is available in 2025.

The unexpected exit from the American market by a major smart home electric vehicle charging company has left customers questioning whether their chargers will continue to function.

Owners of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid may encounter a problem with their car's braking system.

Audi has enhanced the Q6 E-Tron with a Sportback version, featuring a sleeker roofline and a more athletic appearance.

Kia has revamped its brand by infusing a contemporary flair into its legacy, drawing inspiration from its hatchback models that defined the company in the '80s and '90s.

An autonomous vehicle, also referred to as a robotic taxi, is not currently on the market. However, several car manufacturers and transportation firms, such as Tesla with its Cybercab concept, are actively working to bring this innovation to fruition.

CEO Elon Musk hinted that concepts of EV robotaxis with wireless charging capabilities might rival public transportation in terms of affordability and ease of use.

Associated Content

Top Choices

Image Gallery

Current Events

Press

Retailer Resources

Feed Updates

Corporate

Stay Connected with Us: