The European Commission voted to uphold the ban of ICE new passenger cars starting in 2035 proposed last year. Mercedes claims it can come up with an all-electric lineup even earlier. The premium carmaker has already started its own electric revolution with the EQ-branded models.
All the members of the European Union must comply with the regulations in force in twelve years’ time. The ban might bring massive headaches in the eastern European countries, that still import old diesels from the west. Western countries aren’t all optimistic, considering the plan a bit too ambitious, now more than ever. The war Russia started against Ukraine sparked a new financial crisis and augments famine in African countries.
But Mercedes is willing to go by the book. The executives of the Stuttgart-based manufacturer claim the carmaker can bring an entire zero-emission lineup even before 2035. “By 2030, we are ready to go fully electric, wherever market conditions allow,” said Eckart von Klaeden, head of external relations at Mercedes in a conversation with DPA (German Press Agency).
Mercedes launched the EQC as the first member of the EQ brand back in 2019, following its reveal in Stockholm the year before. The EQV van followed suit, with the official presentation taking place in Frankfurt, Germany, in 2019. The EQA and EQB crossovers, EQS electric luxury sedan and EQS SUV and the EQE sedan and EQE SUV are now also in the carmaker’s lineup.
Other carmakers willing to comply with the ICE ban
“Ambitious, but achievable.” This is how the Volkswagen executives describe the European Commission’s plan to ban ICE engines. They would be the last to rebel against the regulations, considering that they are still fighting the consequences of Dieselgate.
BMW has also shown willingness to comply and so did Ford. Meanwhile, Stellantis decided to leave ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association), that united 15 major car, truck and bus makers. According to Automotive News, the move will happen by the end of the year.
