Christian von Koenigsegg, founder and CEO of Koenigsegg, shared his thoughts on electric vehicles and the future of internal combustion during a visit to the company’s factory in Sweden. The company has considered building electric cars, but for now, its models feature internal combustion power or hybrid systems.
According to the report, von Koenigsegg believes Koenigsegg has the capability to build an electric hypercar if it wanted to, but it doesn’t see that as the right path for the kind of car it wants to make. They have a clear vision for their vehicles.
Von Koenigsegg’s thinking on electric vehicles has changed over time. He told the reporter that 10 years ago, he would have thought Koenigsegg would have an electric car by 2026. Now, he views internal combustion engines as more than just a means to propel the car forward.
Internal combustion engines provide vibration, sound, mechanical response, and character, which he believes are essential to the driving experience. This is a key aspect of their vehicles.
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Koenigseggs are not built for everyday transportation, but rather for the design, engineering, and sensations they deliver, creating an emotional bond between the driver and the machine. It is about the experience.
Von Koenigsegg approaches the environmental question from a different angle, noting that hypercars can’t be compared to mass-market cars when it comes to electric vehicles and combustion engines. He cites estimates that a car with a small battery or no battery would be more advantageous than a pure EV after around 50,000 miles.
With renewable fuels or biofuels, that threshold rises to about 87,000 miles. The company has started work on a fully electric platform but concluded that a hybrid setup is the best balance for its customers, as seen in the Gemera.
The Gemera combines combustion and electric power for maximum performance. They believe this is the best approach for their vehicles.
Von Koenigsegg doesn’t completely rule out a fully electric hypercar, but it would depend on regulations and battery technology advancements, such as lighter, more compact, and less dependent on critical raw materials. The technology is not yet where they need it to be.
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Today, Koenigseggs run on E85, a blend of mostly ethanol and some gasoline, which could be replaced with synthetic fuels in the future, according to von Koenigsegg. He also outlined a scenario where fuels are produced using CO2 captured from the atmosphere and renewable energy.
This approach could lead to a net-negative climate balance. Von Koenigsegg joked about this approach as a kind of “tax on nature,” summing up his approach to developing the internal combustion engine while finding sustainable ways to run it. The company is committed to sustainability.
Koenigsegg’s position on electric vehicles and internal combustion engines is clear: the company believes the engine still delivers something no alternative has managed to replicate in hypercars. They will continue to develop their vehicles with this in mind.
As the European car sales setting continues to evolve, companies like Koenigsegg must adapt to changing regulations and technological advancements. The future of the industry will be shaped by these factors.
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