Mats Qviberg, the chairman of Swedish car dealership giant Bilia, believes that gasoline and diesel cars are here to stay, despite the growing push for electric vehicles (EVs).
In a recent opinion piece in the magazine Dagens Industri, the outspoken businessman criticized what he sees as an overly optimistic view of electric cars, especially when it comes to long-distance travel and rural areas.
While acknowledging that EVs work well in cities, where charging infrastructure is robust, Qviberg argues that they are far from a universal solution.
He points out that charging stations remain scarce in many parts of Sweden and other countries, making it impractical for many drivers to rely solely on electric cars.
Even organizations that promote electric cars have begun issuing advice on how to handle their limitations, particularly during longer trips, which Qviberg sees as evidence that the technology is not yet mature.
Despite Bilia being one of Sweden’s biggest electric car retailers, Qviberg is confident that gasoline and diesel cars will continue to play an important role. He argues that the automotive industry should focus on a balanced mix of technologies rather than trying to replace traditional combustion engines entirely.
This isn’t the first time Qviberg has challenged the rapid transition to electric vehicles.
In December, he warned against an overly narrow focus on EVs, urging both drivers and carmakers to consider a broader range of solutions for sustainable transportation.
As the global car market shifts towards electrification, Qviberg’s stance sparks an important debate: Should governments and manufacturers push for an all-electric future, or is there still room for gasoline and diesel in the long run?
