The car industry is in trouble. Lynn Calder, the CEO of Ineos Automotive, says it’s a mess. One big problem is the EU’s plan to stop selling gas and diesel cars by 2030 for passenger cars and 2035 for commercial vehicles. This has led to a lot of debate.
Forcing Electric Cars Might Not Be the Answer
At a recent conference, Calder warned that the EU’s rules might not give people the choices they want. She thinks the focus on electric cars is too narrow. “I think customers need choice,” she said. “The current political framework, with its deadlines and single-technology solution, is designed not to give them that choice.”
The industry has invested a lot in electric cars, but Calder thinks this might not be the best approach. She points out that last year, £4.5 billion was spent in the UK to encourage people to buy electric cars. But despite this, many people still prefer hybrid cars.
Calder thinks the focus should be on reducing emissions, not just on electric cars. She says the industry should aim for “lower emission vehicles, not zero emission vehicles.” This approach would give people more options and help the industry adapt to changing technology.
One major issue with electric cars is the lack of charging infrastructure outside of cities. Calder notes that people who live in rural areas often don’t have access to charging points, which makes it hard for them to switch to electric cars. Until this issue is addressed, it’s unlikely that electric cars will become the norm.
Calder’s comments highlight the challenges facing the car industry. As the EU’s deadlines approach, manufacturers are under pressure to adapt. But as Calder says, “we’ve lost sight of the customer.” The industry needs to find a balance between reducing emissions and giving people the choices they want.