Mercedes-Benz has deserted its objective of solely promoting electrical automobiles in main markets by 2030, CEO Ola Okällenius mentioned on Thursday throughout the automaker’s annual normal assembly.

Mercedes first introduced the objective in 2021 however slower than anticipated EV gross sales means the automaker now plans to proceed providing gas-powered vehicles nicely into the following decade, the CEO mentioned.

He additionally mentioned Mercedes will delay by 5 years an interim objective of mixed hybrid and electrical automobiles accounting for 50% of gross sales by 2025. Even in Europe, EVs solely made up 11% of Mercedes’ gross sales in 2023, and including gross sales of hybrids solely lifts the share to 19%.

Citing extra feedback made by the Mercedes CEO, Reuters reported that the automaker is ready to proceed constructing fuel powertrains into the following decade and is able to proceed updating the powertrains ought to the market demand them.

Mercedes will quickly launch a next-generation platform that helps each hybrid and electrical powertrains. Referred to as the MMA, the platform is designed for compact vehicles and can debut shortly in a redesigned CLA-Class. The entire vehicles based mostly on the MMA platform will probably be accessible subsequent decade.

Finally, Mercedes could must go the full-electric route in sure markets the place laws might power bans on the sale of recent automobiles nonetheless geared up with fuel or diesel powertrains. Even within the European Union, the place Mercedes is predicated, such plans are in place.

Deliberate E.U. laws requires a 100% discount in carbon emissions from passenger vehicles and lightweight vans by 2035, although there could also be loopholes in place, for instance permitting automobiles designed to run on carbon-neutral e-fuels. The laws is a part of the E.U.’s overarching plan to develop into local weather impartial by 2050.