Scholz defends the growth of electric mobility.
On the eve of the European elections, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz championed the green revolution in the automotive sector. Speaking at Opel's 125th anniversary celebration in Rüsselsheim, he asserted, "We support the expansion of electric vehicles." He continued, "Anyone who wishes to revert now isn't merely jeopardizing everything we've accomplished but also our future achievements, our future vitality as an industrial powerhouse."
Numerous companies, including Opel and many others, are investing heavily in electromobility at the present moment. The variety of models available is increasing, and economical options are also entering the market. Furthermore, a new charging infrastructure is spreading across the land. Scholz revealed a legislative proposal that would guarantee the availability of quick-charging stations at all significant gas stations in Germany by the close of 2027, emphasizing, "This is why we must stay dedicated to this trajectory."
During the European Union's tenure, no more passenger vehicles fueled by combustion engines will be permitted after 2035. However, it remains to be seen over the next few years whether this objective will be attained. Most notably, far-right parties have openly opposed the prohibition on combustion engines.
In terms of global trade, Scholz added his comments at the Opel jubilee: "We aren't shutting off our markets to foreign firms. Because we don't want that for our companies, either." On China, the German automotive industry has been particularly vibrant.
The European Union's Competition Commission launched an antitrust inquiry against China at the end of 2023 over assumed illegal subsidies for electric cars. If this investigation exposes that Beijing has breached international trade law, Brussels could slap fines on Chinese cars. The Chancellor had repeatedly voiced his strong opposition to a "trade war": "It's not in the best interest of industrial nations like Germany."
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Prior to the European elections, Scholz advocated for the expansion of electromobility in his speech at Opel's anniversary celebration, stating that anyone who wishes to halt this progress jeopardizes the future achievements of Europe's industrial powerhouses. During the event, Scholz also announced a legislative proposal to ensure the availability of quick-charging stations at major gas stations by 2027 in Germany.
