Mercedes back on diesel
Electromobility currently seems to be the industry's irrefutable future. But while companies like Volkswagen are forging ahead, other groups such as BMW, Skoda, General Motors and above all Mercedes are changing their strategy. Instead of focussing exclusively on electric drives, they are once again focusing more on customer requirements and are even planning to develop the diesel further.
In an interview with "Auto Motor & Sport", Mercedes boss Ola Källenius announced that all relevant drive combinations, including the diesel hybrid, will be maintained. The company is focussing on a kind of "all-round renewal" and letting customers decide what they want.
This decision may seem surprising at first glance, but it shows that it can make sense not to focus exclusively on electric drives. Of course, Mercedes is also preparing for the end of combustion engines in the EU from 2035 and is planning to introduce numerous new electric models. However, the fact that they are not giving up diesel engines completely could have several advantages.
Firstly, it could mean that Mercedes anticipates significant demand for petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains at least until shortly before 2035, which could indicate that demand for electric cars will not be as high as currently thought.
Secondly, it could mean that Mercedes is considering alternative fuels such as HVO climate diesel. This is produced from renewable and sustainable resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 per cent compared to conventional diesel. In terms of carbon footprint, a diesel fuelled with HVO could even be more environmentally friendly than an electric car.
This raises the question of what this could mean for low emission zones. Might the conditions for low emission zones need to be revised? Should vehicles with climate diesel be allowed to drive in low emission zones because they are potentially more environmentally friendly than electric cars?
Of course, climate diesel also has disadvantages. It is more expensive than conventional diesel and could be unaffordable for many people as long as its climate friendliness is not honoured by a reduced tax rate.
There could be advantages to offering a variety of drive options and giving customers a choice. This could also mean that the conditions for environmental zones need to be reconsidered and adapted to take into account alternative fuels such as climate diesel. The next few years will show what impact this will have on the automotive industry and the environment and how the situation will develop.