“The German auto industry is finally (maybe) done with gas”

German carmakers’ grand promises on going electric may be more about buying time than a complete shift of focus, writes Jack Stewart in Wired. A big part of the problem is that customers are not clamouring for electrics, while regulators around the world demand cleaner cars. “Automakers have recognized they need an electric halo product so they don’t look like they’re being left behind,” Steward notes, with reference to recent product announcements. “Automakers avoid going all-in on electrics because the profit margins stink.”

Read the article in English here.

Also read the new CLEW dossier The Energiewende and German carmakers.

Find more details on the carmakers’ plans in the CLEW factsheets Dieselgate forces VW to embrace green mobility, Reluctant Daimler plans “radical” push into new mobility world, and Early e-car starter BMW plans new mobility sprint.