It's the big blur after the sprint. Just a few months ago, in Wolfsburg, Volkswagen's stronghold, the real boss was called Elon Musk. Herbert Diess, the group's CEO, only had eyes for the American billionaire and the success of his brand: Tesla. According to Diess, obsessed by his guru, it was necessary to rush, and rather very quickly, to switch completely to electric. Since then, he has left and his replacement, Oliver Blume, is far from having the same love for the troublemaker from the States, his escapades and his electric cars.
Volkswagen slows down electric expansion
Oliver Blume, former boss of Porsche, has taken the reins of the Volkswagen group while retaining his role at the head of the sports brand. Unlike its predecessor, it is not ready to plunge headlong into total electrification. Although a massive investment of nearly 70 billion euros has been made to move away from thermal power, Blume prefers to procrastinate and consolidate the existing system before continuing the electric adventure.
He quickly froze several major projects, such as the Landjet, Audi's future high-end, and the new SSP electric platform. Its objective is clear: to resolve the software problems which plagued the launch of the ID.3 and to restore Volkswagen's quality image. Blume appears to be telling shareholders that electrification will happen, but at a more measured pace, making sure the foundations are solid before moving forward.
The caution of major manufacturers
In the race to stay on the global automotive podium, Blume is not alone in taking a cautious approach to electric cars. Carlos Tavares, the boss of Stellantis, expressed his reluctance towards electric technology. Toyota, although a world leader, has also fallen behind in this area, whether intentionally or not.
The new Toyota Prius, which will be available next spring, will not have a 100% electric version, settling for a plug-in hybrid version. This choice may seem surprising, but it does not prevent Toyota from remaining at the top. The tumultuous launch of the Toyota BZ4X, with a disappointing range, shows that even the industry giants are now adopting a more measured attitude.
A return to reason?
In Germany and Japan, major manufacturers seem to recognize that they have rushed towards electrification. Electric cars, like self-driving cars, are experiencing delays and unexpected challenges. This desire to calm things down is supported by the reluctance of French and Italian politicians, who accept the transition but with reservations.
For several months, two expressions have dominated discussions among manufacturers: โreview clauseโ and โmoratoriumโ. The โreview clauseโ provides for a review in 2026 of the text voted on last June, while the โmoratoriumโ would make it possible to freeze the application of a text and postpone it, offering an emergency exit without harming anyone. If this option is retained, it could well become a reality in the coming years.
Uncertain prospects
Automakers, like politicians and consumers, are navigating a period of uncertainty. Initial ambitions for a rapid transition to electric are confronted with practical and economic realities. Technical challenges, high costs and still insufficient charging infrastructure are hampering this transition.
In conclusion, major manufacturers are starting to reconsider their electrification plans. Caution takes precedence over initial enthusiasm, and investments are redirected to solidify the foundations before moving forward. The coming months and years will be decisive for the future of the electric car, as the industry adjusts its strategies in the face of a reality more complex than expected.
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