Recently, BMW CEO Zipzer publicly questioned the EU's proposal for a total ban on burning in 2035, arguing that this timeline is too hasty and unrealistic. He called on the EU to consider a more flexible regulatory strategy to take full advantage of Europe's existing advantages in the field of automotive technology.
While many European automakers have embraced electrification, BMW has taken a more diversified strategic path. While focusing on the development of electric vehicles, BMW has also increased its investment in cutting-edge alternative technologies such as e-fuels (synthetic fuels) and hydrogen fuel cells, aiming to demonstrate the diversity and possibilities of future mobility.
In March this year, the European Union formally legislated to set strict emission reduction targets: from 2030, new car carbon emissions should be reduced by 55% compared with 2021; By 2035, all newly registered vehicles must achieve zero carbon emissions, i.e. a "burn ban" will be fully implemented.
Zipzer further pointed out that the EU's radical plan could pose a potential threat to the already fragile core of Europe's automotive industry. At present, the market and consumers are not fully ready to say goodbye to the era of gasoline vehicles, and at the same time, the financial subsidies provided by European countries to promote electric vehicles are also facing sustainability challenges that are difficult to maintain in the long term. Therefore, BMW calls on all parties to re-examine the details of the implementation of the ban and seek a more balanced and feasible transition plan.