BMW rejects government bans on internal combustion engines. Development board member Frank Weber announced completely new combustion engines in an interview. He describes the plug-in hybrid drive as a necessary transitional technology, sees better batteries and more efficient electric motors emerging and does not want to put any customers under pressure.
These statements are part of an overall view of electromobility that Weber is developing in the current issue of “Auto Motor und Sport”. stated in an interview. The Munich-based company also wants to offer all models with newly developed, significantly more economical combustion engines in the future. “One thing is certain for us: we still need the ultra-modern combustion engine for a few more years to effectively reduce CO2 emissions in the passenger car sector globally,” says the manager. That’s why BMW is working on a new generation of engines: petrol, diesel, six-cylinder, eight-cylinder. According to Weber, they are also technologically equipped for the upcoming emission standards. Setting an end date for combustion engines does not make sense for Weber. First, the alternative infrastructure must be set up. “Of course the future is electric, only if we force customers into an e-car now and they are all stuck in traffic at the charging station on their way to vacation, then nothing is gained,” warns Weber. “This transition will not be over in five or ten years.” “We will not require our customers” Weber believes that plug-in models with increasing electric range are particularly important in the transition phase. “A PHEV that can cover 80 to 100 kilometers purely electrically will mostly drive most customers purely electrically. That plays a really important role in the transition.” In addition, not all world markets are ready for electromobility. “Even in 2025 there will still be many people who cannot drive an electric car because they do not have the necessary infrastructure,” predicts Weber and states: “But – and this is very important to me – we will not encourage our customers to do so either forced to have to decide between the new and the supposedly old.” The development director sees such great efficiency potential in electric cars that the cars should be profitable in the future even without state subsidies. “Even with an electric motor, which is known for its high level of efficiency, a lot is still possible. What happens at higher speeds? How does the engine degrade? What is the most attractive design? There really is still a lot of potential there. We develop and build the motors ourselves, which of course helps us.” Weber also sees a lot of efficiency and cost potential in the battery cell. “With the cell, the aim is to reduce costs by 30 percent in the next generation.” Weber wants to generate a return with the next generation of battery vehicles like with a combustion engine. Accordingly, BMW no longer plans to use state subsidies for the purchase of electric cars in the future. “We don’t assume that in our plans. We’re talking about really big volume, the “New Normal” so to speak.” (aum)
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