โ€• Advertisement โ€•

Tesla’s Global Sales Drop Masks a Hidden Victory in China

For the first time in over a decade, Tesla experienced a year-over-year decline in global vehicle deliveries. In 2024, Tesla delivered 1,789,226 electric vehicles...

A new sales king in town?

HomeCarsCould a synthetic fuel law ban internal combustion engines?

Could a synthetic fuel law ban internal combustion engines?

German brand BMW has expressed concern that synthetic fuel legislation could effectively mean banning internal combustion engines. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse believes that a blanket ban on the technology would be a major strategic mistake.

An uncertain future for the automotive industry

The future of the automotive industry is increasingly uncertain, with regulatory changes that could shake up the sector. In 2022, the European Union took a step towards banning petrol and diesel engines by 2035. After the approval of the European Parliament and the green light from the Council, divergences emerged, notably with Germany and Italy, which advocated for the inclusion of synthetic fuels.

The debates around synthetic fuels have sparked heated discussions. In particular, Italy has managed to introduce the “Enmienda Ferrari”, exempting small manufacturers from this ban. Despite these nuances, the regulation was adopted, leaving doubts about the future of combustion engines.

BMW's concerns about new regulations

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the legislation. He said that even if synthetic fuels are allowed after 2035, it could result in a de facto ban on combustion engine vehicles, affecting European-based manufacturers.

BMW has not yet set a date for the end of combustion engines, unlike Mercedes and Audi. Although BMW is recording record sales of electric vehicles, the brand defends the coexistence of different technologies, believing that a total ban on combustion engines would be a mistake.

Electric vehicle sales on the rise

BMW's electric vehicle sales have seen significant growth. In the first six months of the year, electric models accounted for 15.7% of the group's deliveries, compared to 12.6% the previous year. In June, registrations of electric vehicles of the BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brands increased by 24.6%, reaching 190,614 units.

This progression demonstrates BMW's commitment to electric vehicles, while maintaining a diversified offering including combustion engines.

Promoting low-CO2 fuels

Oliver Zipse stresses the importance of promoting low-CO2 fuels for the entire vehicle fleet, not just new vehicles. With more than 250 million cars on the road in the 27 EU countries, a rapid transition to synthetic fuels could reduce emissions without requiring a total ban on combustion engines.

BMW expects electric vehicles to account for at least half of its sales by the end of the decade. Mini and Rolls-Royce, the group's other brands, have already announced their transition to an all-electric range by then.

A balance between tradition and innovation

BMW seeks to balance tradition and innovation by maintaining combustion engines while expanding its electric range. The Bavarian brand believes that the two technologies can coexist, offering consumers a diverse choice while respecting environmental goals.

The debate over synthetic fuels and combustion engines remains open, with major implications for the global automotive industry. BMW continues to advocate for a balanced approach, integrating innovative solutions while preserving proven technologies.