The debate over EVs in Europe inevitably comes down to one question: when should cars with internal combustion engines be banned? Volkswagen believes the industry is looking at the issue from the wrong angle.
Martin Sander, Volkswagen’s board member responsible for sales, marketing and after-sales services, argues that the discussion should shift from banning ICE vehicles to highlighting the advantages of EVs. In his view, once a sufficient number of consumers become convinced that electric vehicles are objectively better, the transition will happen naturally – with or without regulatory mandates.
To support his position, Sander points to history: cars replaced horses without bans or directives simply because people recognized their advantages. He believes the same principle will apply to the transition away from internal combustion engines.
According to ACEA data, EVs accounted for 20.9% of new vehicle registrations in the EU during the first four months of 2026. In other words, four out of five buyers still choose other types of powertrains. Attempting to accelerate the transition primarily through legislation is therefore counterproductive, Volkswagen argues.
