Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius expressed concerns about Europe’s plan to ban combustion engines by 2035, suggesting it could hurt the economy without incentives. In response, Tesla CEO Elon Musk urged, “Just make good EVs!” emphasizing that vehicle desirability, not subsidies, drives electric mobility success. While traditional automakers like Mercedes and Volkswagen struggle with their transition, Tesla has rapidly introduced appealing models, setting industry benchmarks. However, Musk’s political controversies and concerns over Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory have affected its image in Germany. The competition between innovators like Tesla and legacy brands will significantly influence the future of electric vehicles in Europe.
