BMW And Mercedes Backslides On EV Production In EU - Will Rely On Hybrids Instead

Mercedes-Benz and BMW are adding a wide range of new plug-in hybrids as they strive to reduce CO2 emissions to meet stricter EU targets this year. Both companies said putting plug-in hybrids versions on more models would help reduce carbon emissions this year by 20%.

LMC Automotive, an analyst firm, predicts that plug-in hybrids will outsell EVs in Europe this year.

LMC forecasts plug-in hybrids [PHEVs] to increase to 717,000 in Europe this year from 198,853 in 2019. That represents a 4% market share. According to LMC, EV registrations will achieve a 3.6% share, based on a rise to 652,000 from 365,372 in 2019.

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TomM - 3/18/2020 1:08:53 PM

+3 Boost

This was something I expected. Once they actually figured out how to make a Hybrid high performance vehicle - the Hybrid is a simple solution that works to reduce emissions and increase efficiency. When My company went Hybrid for the Field staff - our experience was pretty good with the first Ford Fusion Hybrids - and even better with the Chevy Malibu Hybrids - although at those time - these cars became transportation appliances with little performance. Fuel costs did drop quite a bit (over 20%)

Until we have EV's without a real mileage restriction (Either super fast charging - or replaceable "fuel" packs) and the infrastructure to support these devises - one really does not need as much to support a Hybrid - so they are a better "NOW" solution.

Have not been around much because my business has simply expanded exponentially in the last 2 months - we cannot keep up with demand - and we are classified as an essential business.

ctsang - 3/18/2020 1:45:13 PM

+3 Boost

no batteries, no surprise

MDarringer - 3/18/2020 7:18:42 PM

0 Boost

Given that the Germans are developing class-trailing EVs...