Mercedes Chief Expresses Skepticism About EVs

A Mercedes-Benz executive recently called India’s plan to utilize electric vehicles nationwide by 2030 "a rushed-with idea."

Dec. 28, 2017

Dec. 28, 2017—A Mercedes-Benz executive recently called India’s plan to utilize electric vehicles nationwide by 2030 “a rushed-with idea.”

Mercedes-Benz India managing director and chief executive Roland Folger also added: “By 2040, the whole world will be driving home hydrogen cars,” according to ndtv.com.

Folger added that, with such a rush, options for better technologies for future generations might be overlooked.

India’s auto industry was taken by surprise last year, when the government announced that its entire auto industry would go electric by 2030.

The announcement came after the government skipped a stage in pollution standards.

Calling for better coordinated efforts, Folger said: “Ideally, regulators and policymakers should be totally aligned with what’s happening on the technology front, because 5-10 years is a short period in the auto landscape.”

In pointing out that the time frame to go all electric is rather short, the Mercedes-Benz executive added that India’s move would mean that all automotive companies would likely stop developing any more innovative products.