If you thought that global warming had sealed the fate of internal combustion engines, think again. Inverse.com reports one famous German maker is clinging to outdated fossil fuel technology. This appears to run counter to the claim to be at the cutting edge of progress. We decided to find out more about BMW’s last stand.
Is a History of Resistance Behind BMW’s Last Stand?
EV Annex.com describes how the auto industry in general has resisted mandatory safety changes. The sector fought against seat belts a half century ago. Not long after, it resisted smog regulations.
Today, many legacy automakers, including BMW are fighting rear-guard actions on behalf of diesel. And still investing huge sums of money in gasoline engine technology. We wondered whether BMW’s last stand against electric cars had anything to do with being “‘Designed For Driving Pleasure” according to its slogan. And the desire to beat most other comers with blistering acceleration and thrilling top speeds.
Not So, BMW’s Klaus Frölich Tells John Carey
When News.Com.Au’s John Carey interviewed the senior BMW executive responsible for development, he heard another explanation. “No, no, no,” Klaus Frölich said when asked if EVs will ever equal the prices of equivalent conventional cars.
“Never. It’s very simple,” he explained. “You can produce whole cars, only with the cost of the battery,” and prices will not fall as predicted. Is BMW “anxious about leaving the gas-guzzling internal combustion engine behind,” EV Annex.Com asks.
The disruptive website ends the article about BMWs last stand with an interesting comment by Klaus Frölich. “So, it’s a nightmare that an electrified vehicle will cost the same as a combustion-engined car.” Perhaps something is lost in transition. However we incline to think it would be a nightmare if the auto industry persisted with combustion engines.
Surely there is more to the electric car market than pure costs. Can it be right to persist with gasoline engines for the pure pleasure of the wealthy?
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Preview Image: BMW Headquarters in Munich
