A senior executive from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng has warned against the European Union’s ambitious timeline to ban new internal combustion engine cars, arguing that adoption should not be forced.
Markus Schrick, Xpeng Germany General Manager, described the EU’s 2035 ban on new fossil fuel car sales as a “precipitate decision that, with common sense, should be corrected.” His comments highlight a growing industry consensus that the transition to battery-powered vehicles, while inevitable, cannot be rushed.
This perspective emerges as Chinese EV makers increasingly target the European market, seeking to capitalize on a shift that traditional automakers are struggling to match. These companies aim to expand in countries that have historically been conservative in their approach to mobility.
However, the transition to electric mobility is not progressing as quickly as anticipated, despite pressure on consumers and manufacturers. While companies like BYD are expanding successfully, others such as Dongfeng face difficulties in gaining European public acceptance.
Despite these challenges, Schrick believes electric mobility will eventually prevail. “Electromobility will impose itself sooner or later and, in fact, it should,” he stated during an interview.
Xpeng’s strategy focuses on convincing customers through practical benefits, prioritizing range, charging speed, and performance. This approach aims to build consumer confidence rather than relying solely on legislative mandates.
Their G6 and G9 SUV models exemplify this strategy, offering rapid charging capabilities. Thanks to 800-volt architectures, these vehicles can charge from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes, achieving peak charging powers of 451 kW for the G6 and 525 kW for the G9.
Stella Li, Vice President of BYD, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that customers prioritize quick charging times that approximate traditional refueling, often more than extended vehicle range.