"Of course" Mercedes-Benz will supply combustion engines after 2030

"Of course" a customer will "still get a combustion engine from Mercedes after 2030", promises Ola Källenius, Head of Daimler and Mercedes-Benz, in an interview with "Zeit online" today. According to Källenius, the company is "laying the foundations for a fully electric portfolio in all vehicle classes in this decade". "However, we simply don't know the time for the last combustion engine."

Källenius refers to the customer: "Our product range is always geared towards customer requirements and will always be at the cutting edge of technology - this includes combustion engines well into their thirties. And plug-in hybrids with a battery that is sufficient for emission-free everyday driving and where you can use the combustion engine for long journeys at the weekend."

With regard to the slump in sales of electric cars following the sometimes abrupt end to state subsidies, Källenius admits: "Perhaps there was a little too much optimism in the entire industry, now there is more realism." The Mercedes boss appears prepared in the interview: "We can build highly efficient combustion cars on the same production line, but also plug-in hybrids - and electric vehicles."

He does not consider the EU's plan to no longer allow combustion engines from 2035 to be irrevocable: "The EU's plan is to first take stock in 2026 and then see what is feasible and what is not. Källenius advises "to have an objective discussion in 2026". The status of the charging infrastructure throughout Europe will be the be-all and end-all, expects Ola Källenius. "In any case, people will always strive for individual mobility." (aum)