Volkswagen Says Gas Cars Could Become Obsolete Like Horses as EV Adoption Grows
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Volkswagen believes the future of transportation will eventually become electric, and it argues that this shift will happen naturally as more people discover the benefits of electric vehicles.
The German automaker says the debate around banning internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles often misses the bigger picture. Instead of focusing on restrictions, Volkswagen wants attention to shift toward why electric vehicles may be a better choice for many drivers.
Volkswagen Compares the EV Shift to the End of Horse Transportation
Speaking to Auto Express, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, Martin Sander, compared today’s EV transition to the period when automobiles gradually replaced horses.
According to Sander, people did not stop using horses because they were forced to. They moved to cars because they offered a more practical way to travel from one place to another.
He explained that over time, consumers recognized the advantages of automobiles, leading to a natural transition. Volkswagen believes electric vehicles could follow a similar path.
Sander said discussions centered only on ICE bans create the wrong message for consumers. Instead, he argues that automakers and governments should focus on helping people understand the benefits of EV ownership.
EV Sales Continue to Grow Across Europe
The latest figures show that electric vehicle adoption continues to rise in Europe.
According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), fully electric vehicles accounted for 20.9 percent of all new vehicle registrations in Europe during the first four months of 2026.
That means more than one in every five new vehicles sold this year has been fully electric.
While growth remains strong, EVs still represent a minority of total vehicle sales, showing that many consumers have yet to make the switch.
Key EV Market Figures
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| EV Share of New Vehicle Registrations in Europe | 20.9% |
| Reporting Period | January–April 2026 |
| Data Source | ACEA |
Volkswagen Wants EV Benefits to Lead the Conversation
Volkswagen believes customers are more likely to embrace electric vehicles when they understand the practical advantages.
The company says efforts should focus on:
- Expanding charging infrastructure
- Reducing energy and charging costs
- Improving consumer awareness about EV ownership
- Highlighting everyday benefits such as lower running costs and quieter driving
According to Volkswagen, these factors can encourage a natural transition without relying heavily on regulatory pressure.
What Happens to the 2035 ICE Phase Out Plan?
The discussion comes as the European Union continues to push for lower vehicle emissions.
The EU originally proposed ending sales of new combustion engine vehicles by 2035. However, after pressure from several parts of the automotive industry, regulators have adjusted their approach.
Current EU targets call for automakers to reduce fleet CO2 emissions by 90 percent by 2035 compared with 2021 levels.
While this does not completely eliminate combustion engines, it makes their long term future increasingly difficult.
As a result, industry analysts expect only a limited number of ICE powered models to remain on sale beyond the middle of the next decade.
Why Gas Cars Are Not Disappearing Anytime Soon
Despite Volkswagen’s confidence in electric vehicles, the company also acknowledges an important reality.
Traditional combustion engine vehicles still generate most of the profits for many automakers. Those profits help fund research, development, and production of future electric models.
For many manufacturers, EV profit margins remain lower than those of conventional vehicles. In some cases, automakers still struggle to make significant profits on electric models.
That means gasoline and diesel vehicles will continue to play an important role in the industry for years to come.
Motor Yaan's Take
Volkswagen’s argument is straightforward. Most consumers prefer choice over mandates.
The company believes electric vehicles will succeed because people see value in them, not because regulations force them to buy one.
At the same time, the automotive industry cannot abandon combustion engines overnight. ICE vehicles continue to fund future technologies, and many buyers still rely on them for affordability, convenience, and infrastructure reasons.
The transition to electric mobility is clearly underway, but for now, both EVs and combustion engine vehicles will continue to share the road for the foreseeable future.
Sources & References
1. ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association)
Official industry data source for EV registrations and market share across Europe. This is the primary source behind the EV adoption figures mentioned in the article.
ACEA New Car Registration Report Q1 2026
2. Auto Express
Original interview source where Volkswagen sales chief Martin Sander compared the transition from ICE vehicles to EVs with the historical shift from horses to automobiles.
Auto Express Volkswagen EV Interview
3. Volkswagen Global
Official Volkswagen corporate website for company announcements, EV strategy, and future mobility plans.
Volkswagen Group Official Website
4. Reuters
Trusted international news source covering EV adoption trends, market growth, and automotive industry developments across Europe and North America.
Reuters Automotive Industry Coverage
5. U.S. Department of Energy
Useful for American readers seeking information about EV benefits, charging, ownership costs, and infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Volkswagen believe gas cars could become obsolete like horses?
Volkswagen believes electric vehicles will gradually replace combustion engine vehicles in the same way automobiles replaced horses. The company argues that consumers will naturally switch when they see the practical benefits of EVs rather than because of government mandates.
Who made the comparison between EVs and horses?
Martin Sander, Volkswagen's Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, made the comparison. He said people eventually chose cars over horses because they were a better way to travel, and he believes EVs could follow a similar path.
What percentage of new vehicle sales in Europe are electric?
According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), fully electric vehicles accounted for 20.9% of all new vehicle registrations in Europe between January and April 2026.
Why is Volkswagen focusing on EV benefits instead of ICE bans?
Volkswagen believes consumers respond better to clear advantages than restrictions. The company wants more attention placed on lower running costs, quieter driving, charging improvements, and the overall ownership benefits of electric vehicles.
Will combustion engine cars be banned in Europe by 2035?
The European Union has adjusted its original plans. While strict emissions targets remain in place, combustion engine vehicles are not expected to disappear completely by 2035. However, future regulations could significantly reduce the number of ICE models available.
What are the main advantages of electric vehicles according to Volkswagen?
Volkswagen highlights lower operating costs, quieter driving, improved energy efficiency, expanding charging infrastructure, and growing consumer awareness as key reasons why more drivers may choose electric vehicles in the future.
Why are gas cars not disappearing anytime soon?
Traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles remain an important source of revenue for automakers. Those profits help fund EV development, while many consumers still depend on combustion engine vehicles because of affordability, convenience, and existing infrastructure.
Can EVs completely replace gasoline cars in the near future?
Most industry experts do not expect an immediate transition. Electric vehicle adoption is growing rapidly, but combustion engine vehicles and EVs are expected to coexist for many years as charging networks, battery technology, and consumer acceptance continue to improve.
