On Monday, Mercedes-Benz detailed some more its plans for what it calls electromobility. The most important news of all is, of course, the fact that Mercedes-Benz will have electric versions for the entire fleet of models it has in production.
The goal is to “offer more than 50 electrified vehicle variants” to its customers, either plug-in hybrids or fully electric. There will also be mild-hybrid variants that will use the new 48-volt-system.
Ten billion euros will be invested by Mercedes-Benz in the following years in this gargantuan project to develop electric production hubs for the vehicles themselves, but also for the carmaker’s own battery manufacturing plants.
To be sold under the EQ brand, Mercedes’ electric vehicles will start production at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen in 2019. The first model to roll of the assembly lines will be the EQC, which will also be produced with BAIC in China and in the U.S. at the Tuscaloosa factory.
The battery pack used by the electric SUV is a 70 kWh unit, capable of offering a driving range of over 300 miles per charge.
“Our electric vehicles will be built in six plants on three continents. We address every market segment: from the smart fortwo seater, to the large SUV,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain.
“In case of a short-term high demand in another part of the world our battery factories are also well prepared for export. The electric initiative of Mercedes-Benz Cars is right on track. Our global production network is ready for e-mobility. We are electrifying the future.”
