BMW Board Member for Production Milan Nedeljkovic recently suggested that electric cars should be given preferential treatment in road traffic in order to boost demand. This idea has attracted both supporters and critics. While some see it as a necessary step towards promoting electromobility, others warn of possible negative effects on traffic and the equal treatment of all road users.
Nedeljkovic proposes granting electric cars certain privileges in road traffic, such as preferential access to city centers, free parking or a dedicated lane on highways. He argues that these measures would increase the attractiveness of electric cars and thus boost demand. Preferential treatment in road traffic could encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles and thus contribute to climate protection.
However, there are also concerns about the feasibility and fairness of such measures. Critics warn that giving preference to electric cars could lead to unequal treatment in road traffic. If electric cars were given their own lane on the highway, for example, they could slow down traffic for other road users and cause congestion. This could ultimately lead to more frustration and dissatisfaction among drivers.
Another point of criticism is fairness. Why should electric car drivers be given preferential treatment while other road users have to wait in traffic jams? This unequal treatment could lead to tensions and conflicts in road traffic and affect the acceptance of electric cars in society.
Nedeljkovic's proposal is also an alternative to the EU's planned ban on combustion engines. He argues that state purchase premiums as an incentive do not make sense in the long term. Instead, electric cars should be made more attractive through privileges in road traffic. Whether these measures will actually lead to more people switching to electric cars remains to be seen.
Despite the criticism of Germany as a production location, BMW intends to continue expanding production here. Nedeljkovic emphasizes the need for a solid infrastructure, which includes a reliable road network, good rail connections and a digital infrastructure. He criticizes bureaucracy, expensive energy and high location costs in Germany, which make it difficult for the automotive industry to remain competitive.
Will Nedeljkovic's proposal to give preference to electric cars in road traffic actually boost demand for electric vehicles? All aspects must now be carefully weighed up to ensure that the measures are both effective and fair.