According to a report by The Financial Times, Bosch has blasted the European Union’s fixation on electric cars. The report details how Volkmar Denner, the Chief Executive of Europe’s largest car parts supplier, has criticized the mooted measures that are predicted to kill off the internal combustion engine, accusing the EU of having a short-sighted objective when it comes to EVs.
Denner goes on to question why more is not being done to explore both hydrogen and renewable fuels. “Climate action is not about the end of the internal combustion engine,” Denner told The Financial Times. “It’s about the end of fossil fuels. And while electro mobility and green charging power make road transport carbon neutral, so do renewable fuels.” He argues that while not exploring other avenues, the EU is cutting off potential paths to climate action.
Read: VW & Stellantis Among European Manufacturers Who No Longer Believe In A Hydrogen Future
Bosch CEO, Volkmar Denner, is highly critical of the EU’s approach to EVs
Denner’s comments come at a poignant time for automakers, many of which have committed to a large scale—if not total—shift to EV production. Companies, such as Volkswagen, have decided not to continue investment in tech such as hydrogen, with their CEO making it clear that the future is electric. Other brands, such as Volvo and Jaguar, have also stated that they will become EV-only over the coming years.
These remarks come ahead of the initial proposals for the new “Euro 7” regulations on Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen restrictions. Many predict that these restrictions will spell the death of the internal combustion engine altogether. The new regulations may no longer be a single test benchmark, but would incorporate lifetime emissions, as well as how vehicles perform in adverse weather conditions.
See: Widescale EV Adoption Still Has Many Hurdles To Overcome Warns Toyota
Meanwhile, a German body released a study that confirmed the growing demand for EVs in Europe, with demand 143% higher in 2020 than it was in the year previous.
While Bosch has invested €5bn ($6bn) into electric vehicle technology, much of its business is still associated with the ICE parts supply. Denner’s concerns also cover the risk that the EU’s EV-focused drive ignores the possibility of resultant unemployment.
Furthermore, Bosch argues that diesel and petrol engines have advanced to the point where they “no longer have an appreciable impact on air quality.” One board member told The Financial Times that Bosch would continue to invest in tech for internal combustion engines for another 20-30 years.
