Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kaellenius has raised doubts about the European Union’s plan to end sales of new gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035. He stated that while the auto industry is committed to electrification, the current timeline places unrealistic demands on manufacturers, suppliers, and infrastructure providers.
According to Kaellenius, achieving a complete phase-out of combustion-engine vehicles by the proposed deadline may not be practical unless governments and industries can align on stronger charging networks, raw material supply chains, and consumer readiness. He emphasized that the transition must remain ambitious, but also flexible and achievable, rather than setting targets that risk falling short.
This statement adds to the ongoing debate in Europe, where automakers, environmental groups, and regulators continue to weigh the balance between climate goals and industrial realities.