[Auto] While Mercedes-Benz dismisses them, other German automakers support synthetic fuels

[Draeno]

 

Porsche was the driving force behind the fact that, thanks to synthetic fuels, internal combustion engines can continue to power cars in Europe beyond 2035. Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, went ahead to decide that all its vehicle offerings will be solely electric since since 2030. BMW and Audi decided to stay in the middle, and they have reasons that everyone should listen to, instead of staying arguing if the future of mobility has to be electric only or consider other technologies.

A couple of years ago, the then Minister of Economics of the state of Bavaria, Hubert Aiwanger, expressed his concern for the 13 million inhabitants who live in the second largest state in Germany, in which companies from the industry have large investments. automotive such as BMW and Audi. "We don't want Bavaria to be the second Detroit," he said then, trying to represent the amount of unemployed labor that remained in the former North American motor capital, and which today is one of the cities with the largest number of vacant houses in the United States. .

That is the position expressed today by BMW, one of the brands that, although it has a clear decision to also convert its product portfolio to electricity, does not stop thinking about the consequences of abandoning the current fleet of cars, not only for the cars themselves, but for the entire production system that revolves around them, from the manufacturers of engine parts to the mechanical workshops.

This was recently conveyed by BMW AG CEO Oliver Zipse, saying he considered e-fuels to have the greatest impact in decarbonizing transport if used in existing car fleets, rather than new cars. According to Zipse, “we are not discussing the existing fleet. The only opportunity to make a difference is e-fuels. I totally agree with the colleagues who propose it, particularly since our engines are prepared for it. The main impact of synthetic fuels is on existing fleets, not the new vehicle regulation that is hotly discussed in Europe."

Coincidentally with the position of BMW, the other big car manufacturer from the same state of Bavaria, has just taken a similar position. Markus Duesmann, CEO of Audi, pointed out on April 28 at a sustainability conference called "Better Future" that "synthetic fuels have an important role to play, especially to ensure that the current fleet of vehicles with combustion engines interior is carbon neutral. These e-fuels are also the only decarbonization technology that we know of for air and sea transport,” said the highest-ranking executive of the Volkswagen Group brand.

 

https://www.infobae.com/autos/2023/05/03/mientras-mercedes-benz-los-descarta-otros-fabricantes-alemanes-de-autos-apoyan-los-combustibles-sinteticos/