BMW Sounds Alarm on EU's 2035 Gas Engine Ban: Industry-Wide Consequences Looming

BMW Warns of Industry-Wide Consequences from Europe's Gas Engine Ban In a recent interview with Australian magazine CarExpert, BMW Chief Technology Officer Joachim Post expressed concerns that the European Union's plan to ban gas-powered engines by 2035 could have far-reaching consequences for the industry. According to Post, the move would be premature and potentially devastating. The EU has proposed a ban on internal combustion engines in new cars by 2035, aiming to reduce emissions and promote electric vehicles (EVs). However, BMW maintains that customers should have the freedom of choice when it comes to powertrains. The company projects that demand will remain evenly split between gas and electric cars by 2030. Post argued that the EU's plan fails to consider several key factors, including the availability of EV charging infrastructure, energy prices, and customer preferences. "Finally, the customer decides," he said. "It's stupid to do that in nine years' time without asking the customers." BMW has been watching from the sidelines as other major manufacturers, such as Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, and Volvo, announced ambitious EV goals only to backtrack in recent months. Unlike these companies, BMW has not committed to a fully electric future within a set timeframe. The industry's shift towards electrification is well underway, with many countries offering incentives for buyers of EVs. However, the pace of change has been uneven, with some manufacturers struggling to meet demand and others facing supply chain challenges. BMW's stance on the EU's plan reflects its commitment to customer choice and flexibility. The company believes that customers should be able to choose between gas and electric powertrains based on their individual needs and preferences. The implications of the EU's ban are significant, with some analysts predicting a massive shift towards EVs in the coming years. However, others warn that the plan could have unintended consequences, including job losses and increased costs for consumers. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how BMW will adapt to the changing landscape. With its focus on customer choice and flexibility, the company is well-positioned to navigate the challenges ahead. In related news, the EU has announced plans to increase funding for EV charging infrastructure in an effort to support the transition to electric vehicles. The move is seen as a step towards making EVs more accessible to consumers across Europe. Background: The European Union's plan to ban gas-powered engines by 2035 is part of its broader efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation. The move has been welcomed by environmental groups, but criticized by some manufacturers who argue that it could have unintended consequences for the industry. BMW's stance on the EU's plan reflects its commitment to customer choice and flexibility. The company believes that customers should be able to choose between gas and electric powertrains based on their individual needs and preferences. Additional Perspectives: Industry experts warn that the EU's ban could lead to a shortage of skilled workers in the automotive sector, as manufacturers struggle to adapt to new technologies and regulations. "The industry is facing a significant challenge in terms of skills and training," said one expert. "If we don't get this right, it could have serious consequences for employment and economic growth." Current Status: The EU's plan to ban gas-powered engines by 2035 remains on track, with the European Commission set to finalize its proposals in the coming months. BMW continues to invest in EV technology and infrastructure, but maintains that customers should have the freedom of choice when it comes to powertrains. The company's stance reflects its commitment to customer choice and flexibility in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing industry. *Reporting by Tech.*