BMW outlines new 2035 climate milestone and road to net zero

BMW aims for big emissions cut

BMW has set a 2035 milestone to reduce lifecycle CO₂e by at least 60 million metric tons compared to 2019, approximately 20 million tons more than its 2030 goal.

The milestone is part of BMW’s long-term plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The company describes it as a logical next step in advancing its decarbonization strategy.

Entire vehicle life cycle matters

BMW’s 2035 climate target covers all vehicle types and the full life cycle, according to BMW Group. This includes design, sourcing of raw materials, production, and vehicle operation.

The company emphasizes that electric vehicles alone will not achieve the 2035 target. A comprehensive approach across all operations is essential to ensure significant CO2 reductions.

Renewable energy drives progress

Since 2020, all externally sourced electricity for BMW Group plants worldwide has come exclusively from renewable sources; the new Debrecen plant will use no fossil fuels in standard production.

BMW says it will expand its use of renewable energy in production and throughout its supply chain to meet the 2035 milestone. The company believes clean energy is critical for cutting emissions in vehicle manufacturing and operations.

Secondary materials get a boost

BMW is increasing its use of secondary raw materials, such as recycled aluminum and steel. This helps lower emissions related to mining and refining new materials.

High-CO2 components, such as batteries, are a particular focus for the company. Using recycled materials is considered a practical and effective way to reduce the overall environmental impact.

Electrification continues to expand

BMW plans to expand the share of electrified vehicles in its fleet, while emphasizing that EV demand alone won’t meet the 2035 target, so efficiency and supply-chain actions are also critical.

The company is also improving efficiency in gasoline and diesel vehicles to further reduce emissions. Technology-neutral solutions will provide consistent CO2 reductions across all types of drivetrains and vehicle models.

Product and process innovations

BMW is introducing product and process improvements across all drivetrains as part of its climate strategy, according to Nasdaq. These innovations include the sixth generation of battery technology designed to improve efficiency.

Efficiency gains in aerodynamics, tires, and drive systems lead to reduced CO2 emissions during vehicle operation. BMW considers small, incremental improvements in every subsystem essential for achieving the ambitious climate goals set for 2035.

Efficiency in new iX3

BMW says the new iX3 uses up to 20% less energy (WLTP combined) than its predecessor. This demonstrates how targeted efficiency improvements in the use phase can lead to significant CO2 reductions for drivers.

BMW applies similar measures across all vehicles, including non-electric models. Reducing energy consumption during vehicle operation is a key component of the company’s strategy to lower emissions across its global fleet.

Measuring emissions per Euro

By 2035, BMW aims to cut CO2 emissions per Euro generated by more than half compared to 2019 levels, according to BMW Group. This metric captures the efficiency of the company’s overall business model, not just vehicle emissions.

The approach demonstrates that economic growth can occur without increasing environmental impact. BMW views this metric as a crucial component of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions while maintaining business performance.

Supply chain focus

BMW is targeting high-emission supply chain components, including batteries, aluminum, and steel. Reducing emissions upstream is critical to achieving the 2035 climate goals.

Suppliers will be encouraged to adopt renewable energy sources and utilize more recycled materials in their production. The company believes that addressing supply chain emissions is just as important as improvements made in manufacturing plants and vehicle production.

Circular economy initiatives

BMW is expanding circular economy projects to reuse and recycle materials. This approach reduces emissions from extracting and processing new raw materials while conserving resources.

The company also invests in advanced battery cell technology centers of excellence. BMW views innovation in recycling and energy efficiency as a long-term, practical solution to decarbonization across its global operations.

External factors matter

BMW notes that changes in the steel industry and advances in battery technology will impact its ability to meet targets. These external factors influence emissions across the entire vehicle life cycle.

The expansion of charging infrastructure is also necessary to reduce CO2 during vehicle operation. BMW considers these factors crucial for achieving realistic and sustainable emissions reductions across its fleet and maintaining progress toward the 2035 goal.

Paris Agreement alignment

BMW states that its 2035 milestone aligns with the Paris Agreement, according to the BMW Group. The company views its climate targets as part of its responsibility to global sustainability and environmental leadership.

Reaching this milestone demonstrates BMW’s commitment to international climate efforts. The company hopes its actions will encourage other automakers to pursue similar strategies and prioritize emissions reductions across their own operations.

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Net zero by 2050 goal

BMW’s long-term ambition is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The new 2035 milestone, which includes a reduction of at least 60 million metric tons of CO2, is a key step toward that vision.

The company believes that comprehensive measures across energy, materials, and technology will make the net-zero goal achievable. BMW continues to monitor progress carefully to ensure that these targets remain realistic and attainable.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.