“Electric driving isn’t enough”

BMW Belgium’s roadmap to circular, electric mobility

Vlerick: How do you translate the BMW Group’s sustainability focus to Belgium?

Ewoud Van Der Heyden, Marketing Director at BMW Group Belux: “We don’t just build electric cars; we’re making the entire value chain more sustainable. In Belgium, this means greener dealerships and Duurzaam Repareren [Sustainable Repair] workshops, ensuring that maintenance and repairs are as eco-friendly as possible. Ten Belgian cities now have eDrive Zones, where our plug-in hybrids automatically switch to fully electric mode. We’re also piloting smarter traffic distribution between the Kennedy and Liefkenshoek tunnels in Antwerp. And we invite drivers to our Electric Driving Academy to help them get the most out of their electric vehicles in everyday life.”

“We also go beyond the car. We provide technical schools with our latest models so that students can learn using state-of-the-art technology. Our Tournée Électrique initiative lets people test whether a month of electric driving fits in with their lifestyle. And we support cultural institutions like KMSKA and BRAFA because sustainability should be socially and culturally embedded too.”

Vlerick: Sounds impressive. Do you have targets you work towards?

Ewoud Van Der Heyden: “By 2030, the BMW Group aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% during the use phase of our cars. Over the full lifecycle, we’re aiming for a 40% reduction: –20% in the supply chain, –80% in production and –50% in use. We’re also recycling up to 50% of our materials. In Belgium, we’re a market leader in electric vehicles, which helps us achieve those goals.”

Vlerick: Have you seen any tangible impact in Belgium?

Ewoud Van Der Heyden: “Yes, the share of electric BMWs grows year after year, which cuts transport-related emissions. Thanks to our partnerships with energy providers, it’s now easier than ever to charge using green electricity. Customers now routinely ask about lifecycle and environmental impact. And our dealers keep investing in sustainable infrastructure, which is accelerating the transition.”

Vlerick: What’s next for BMW Belgium and sustainable mobility?

Ewoud Van Der Heyden: “We see ourselves as a catalyst. We don’t just provide vehicles; we offer integrated solutions, such as smart charging, second-life battery use and digital services that make carbon reduction transparent. The fully electric Neue Klasse is coming, offering more efficient drivetrains and a strong focus on circularity. We’re also exploring mobility-as-a-service partnerships, enabling cities to rely less on individual ownership and gain access to shared, sustainable BMW mobility.”