BMW CEO Declares Victory Over Rivals with Flexible EV Strategy
Key Ideas
  • BMW CEO Oliver Zipse claims success in the EV market, highlighting the company's strategic flexibility compared to rivals.
  • Competitors like Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are scaling back ambitious EV goals, while BMW continues with a multi-drivetrain approach.
  • Despite challenges in EV adoption, BMW saw a 14% increase in electric vehicle sales last year, selling over 426,500 vehicles across its brands.
  • BMW plans to launch the iX3 mid-size electric crossover and introduce hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in 2028 to maintain technological diversity.
During a shareholders meeting, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse expressed confidence in the company's electric vehicle strategy, noting that their cautious approach has paid off. While competitors like Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Volvo made aggressive commitments to all-electric lineups in the past, BMW stood by its decision to offer multiple drivetrain options including combustion engines, hybrids, and electric vehicles. Zipse emphasized that focusing solely on e-mobility would lead to a dead end, reaffirming BMW's commitment to technological flexibility. Traditional automakers have faced challenges in convincing customers to adopt electric vehicles, with even industry pioneer Tesla experiencing a sales decline in recent times. Despite this, BMW reported a 14% growth in electric vehicle sales last year, with over 426,500 units sold under its BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce brands. The company attributes this success to its technology openness, allowing it to adapt to evolving markets. BMW is not shying away from the EV market and is set to launch the iX3 mid-size electric crossover by the end of the year. This model will be built on the company's new dedicated EV platform called "Neue Klasse." Furthermore, BMW has announced plans to introduce hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in 2028, demonstrating its commitment to a diverse range of technologies in response to the changing automotive landscape.
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