Once considered a certainty, resistance to the European Union’s mandate for all-electric vehicles by 2035 is now steadily growing, with several prominent voices in the automotive industry raising concerns.
BMW’s CEO, Oliver Zipse, recently called on the European Union to reconsider its planned ban on combustion engine vehicles set for 2035. Speaking at the Paris Motor Show, Zipse expressed apprehension about the future of car manufacturers under such a stringent regulation. He highlighted that Europe’s heavy dependence on China for battery production posed a significant risk, especially given the current state of political tensions between China and Western nations. Zipse also noted growing pessimism in Europe toward electric vehicles (EVs), a sentiment that has been reinforced by a noticeable decline in EV sales for many automakers in 2024, following the initial surge in demand in the early 2020s.
During his address, Zipse emphasized the need for a more balanced approach to emissions reduction and vehicle technology. He argued that adjusting the 2035 target for 100 percent battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as part of a broader CO2-reduction strategy would lessen European manufacturers’ dependence on China for batteries. According to Zipse, a policy that does not favor one technology over another would be critical for maintaining a sustainable course for the automotive industry.
BMW is not alone in its concerns about an all-electric future. Even before the European Union finalized its 2023 emissions proposal, Germany spearheaded a coalition of seven nations that openly opposed the 2035 combustion engine ban. In response, the EU and Germany reached a compromise, allowing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that run on synthetic or carbon-neutral fuels to remain on the market.
However, opposition has continued to gain momentum. In early 2024, Porsche’s Chief Financial Officer, Lutz Meschke, openly stated that he expected the ban to be delayed or scrapped altogether. This sentiment has been echoed by other major car manufacturers like BMW and Volkswagen, who have continued to invest in the development of new combustion engine technology. Many automakers recognize the importance of hybrid and ICE options for regions where full electrification may not be feasible by 2035.
In the political arena, there has also been increasing pushback. Italy’s Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, recently called for changes to the ban, stating that it “must be revised” to reflect current realities. While many in the industry and government are advocating for more flexibility, not all manufacturers are on the same page. Volvo, for instance, remains a staunch supporter of the 2035 mandate, believing that the all-electric future is the right direction for the automotive industry.
Oliver Zipse’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for BMW, as the company prepares to roll out its Neue Klasse series—a new generation of electric vehicles that signals a shift in the brand’s future. While BMW continues to innovate in the EV space, the company also recognizes the need for a diversified approach, one that allows room for combustion engines and hybrid technologies to thrive alongside electric advancements.
As the conversation around the 2035 combustion engine ban continues, it is clear that the debate is far from settled. With growing opposition and the shifting economic and political landscape, it remains to be seen whether the European Union will stand firm on its original target or introduce further flexibility to its emissions policies. For now, car manufacturers like BMW are preparing for a future that could very well include a mix of combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles to meet the evolving needs of global consumers.
