BMW CEO Advocates for Accelerating E-Fuels Roll-Out Amid EU Ban on Combustion-Engined Cars
Key Ideas
- BMW CEO Oliver Zipse criticizes the EU's plan to ban sales of new combustion-engined cars in 2035, calling for an acceleration in the roll-out of e-fuels.
- E-fuels, produced using 'green' hydrogen, are seen as a solution for decarbonizing existing petrol and diesel cars, especially those not suited for battery electrification like sports cars and HGVs.
- Companies like Porsche and Ferrari have invested in e-fuel production, with Porsche's Haru Oni plant in Chile already operational, producing e-methanol for motorsports.
- Formula 1 will adopt carbon-neutral fuels in 2026, signaling a shift towards sustainable fuels and away from traditional combustion engines.
BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has expressed his reservations about the European Union's plan to ban the sale of new combustion-engined cars by 2035. Zipse believes that the current approach could lead to a backdoor ban on combustion engines unless the availability of e-fuels is accelerated. E-fuels, which are produced using 'green' hydrogen, are considered a promising avenue for decarbonizing the existing fleet of petrol and diesel cars. Despite the significant energy demand required for e-fuel production, especially in obtaining 'green' hydrogen through electrolysis, they are seen as a viable solution for vehicles not suitable for battery electrification, such as sports cars and heavy goods vehicles. Companies like Porsche and Ferrari have already made investments in e-fuel production, with Porsche's Haru Oni plant in Chile actively producing e-methanol for motorsports applications. Furthermore, Ferrari's chief supports the development of sustainable fuels, emphasizing the continued relevance of internal combustion engine cars. The adoption of carbon-neutral fuels by Formula 1 in 2026 signifies a broader industry shift towards more environmentally friendly options and away from traditional combustion engines.