XPeng Germany CEO: EVs will prevail, but the 2035 ICE ban needs a rethink

XPeng Germany CEO Markus Schrick is convinced that electric cars will ultimately edge out internal-combustion models, yet he warns that the planned 2035 ban on new gasoline and diesel sales is a mistake that needs correcting.

In an interview with German media, he noted that e-mobility is moving forward with confidence, albeit not as quickly as European policymakers had hoped. He emphasized that electric transport would prevail — and that it should.

XPeng is putting its chips on driving range, performance, and ultra-fast charging. The updated G6 and G9, built on an 800-volt architecture, recharge from 10 to 80 percent in just 12 minutes, outpacing even the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 9.

Both electric crossovers are produced at Magna’s plant in Graz, Austria, a decision that helps the brand avoid European tariffs and solidify its market position — a pragmatic way to strengthen its footing as competition intensifies.

XPeng is also considering bringing the G7 EREV to Europe — a version with a gasoline engine acting as a generator to extend range. For countries where the shift to a fully electric fleet is progressing slowly, that approach looks like a sensible bridge rather than a detour.