Mercedes will invest 11,000 million euros in the development of electric cars and batteries

Over the next five years, the Daimler group plans to launch at least one electrified alternative across all model series of the star brand, which means that Mercedes-Benz will launch up to 50 new electrified vehicle variants in the same, of which more than ten will be all-electric new cars across all segments, from intelligent SUVs to large saloons.

Without neglecting the continued development of plug-in hybrid vehicles and the introduction of 48-volt systems, Mercedes-Benz Cars will invest 10,000 million euros over this coming five-year period in expanding its electric fleet and the EQ brand, as well as a further 1,000 million euros in creating a global battery production network for electric vehicles that brings their availability closer to its production centres around the world. Currently, the global battery network comprises five battery factories on three continents.

Daimler has already begun its fourth generation of electric vehicles with the start of production of the smart fortwo Coupé and Cabriolet at its smart factory in Hambach at the end of last year. This will be the first model of its new all-electric vehicle brand EQ, which will begin production in 2019 of a new SUV, the EQC, at the group’s plant in Bremen (Germany). Somewhat later, this same model will also be produced at the BBAC (Beijing Benz Automotive Co) plant, the joint venture that the Daimler Group maintains together with the Chinese manufacturer BAIC Motor, where it produces the models it sells in the Eastern market.

Future EQ models will also be produced at Mercedes-Benz’s plants in Rastatt, Sindelfingen (both in Germany) and Tuscaloosa (USA). “Our electric vehicles will be built in six plants on three continents. We cover all market segments: from the smart fortwo to the large SUV,” says Markus Schäfer, Head of Production and Supply Chain on the Board of Management of Mercedes Benz Cars.

The German group is also focusing on the production of the batteries that its electric models will require. “The battery,” said Schäfer, “is the key component of electric mobility. As batteries are the heart of our electric vehicles, we place great emphasis on building them in our own factories. With our global battery network we are in an excellent position: as we are close to our vehicle plants, we can guarantee the optimal production supply to them. In the case of high short-term demand elsewhere in the world, our battery factories are also well prepared for export. The electric initiative of Mercedes-Benz Cars is on track. Our global production network is ready for electric mobility. We are electrifying the future.”

Throughout this same year 2018, Daimler will complete its second battery factory in Kamenz and will step up preparations for the launch in 2019 of the first vehicle of its new electric model brand, the EQC.