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STUTTGART, Jan 29 (Reuters) – The fine print of the European Union’s relaxed targets in the \u200bshift to electric cars risks cancelling out the \u200cintended benefits, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz said on Thursday.<\/p>\n
The European \u200cCommission made public proposals in December that reverse an effective ban on sales of new internal combustion engine cars from 2035, bowing to pressure from Germany, Italy \u2060and major automakers \u200cincluding Mercedes.<\/p>\n
“The door has been opened slightly for now,” Mercedes CEO Ola Kaellenius \u200dsaid in Stuttgart ahead of the launch of the premium carmaker’s revamped S-class series, with which it hopes to regain \u200bmomentum after a difficult 2025.<\/p>\n
But the restrictions could \u200ccancel out the benefits, Kaellenius, who also serves as president of the ACEA European automotive association, told reporters.<\/p>\n
Automakers will still be able to sell plug-in hybrids and range extenders beyond an initial cut-off date \u2060of 2035, while making up \u200bthe CO2 reduction shortfall with \u200blower-carbon steel and the use of more sustainable fuels.<\/p>\n
The plan, which requires EU member states’ \u200dapproval, also \u2060foresees binding electrification targets for corporate fleets based on GDP per capita.<\/p>\n
“There is a great risk \u2060that the market will shrink on the way there,” Kaellenius \u200csaid.<\/p>\n
(Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach, Writing by Rachel More, \u200cEditing by Alexander Smith)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n