Mercedes lays out electric vehicle roadmap

MERECEDES-BENZ will commit €10 billion ($A15.32 billion) to the expansion of its electrified vehicle fleet over the next few years that will see every model offered with at least one alternative powertrain by 2022.

In total, the German luxury marque is plotting more than 50 electrified vehicles over the next four years , including “more than 10” to be completely emissions free, starting with the EQC crossover to kick-off production next year in Bremen, Germany.

EQC production will also spread to the world’s largest car market under the BAIC Motor and Daimler AG joint venture known as Beijing Benz Automotive Co.

(BBAC) that will see the emissions-free SUV rolling off a production line in China’s capital city.

After the EQC SUV, it is expected that Mercedes’ next all-electric model will be a production version of the EQA concept revealed at 2017’s Frankfurt motor show as a competitor to BMW’s i3 small hatchback.

All-electric EQ models will also be produced out of Rastatt and Sindelfingen in Germany, as well as Tuscaloosa, USA, with plans to extend the EQ technology across more segments.

In addition to its EV offerings, Mercedes will also continue to support and develop its plug-in hybrid and 48-volt systems – the former currently available in its C-Class and E-Class sedan and GLE SUV, while the latter will debut on the freshly-minted AMG 53 series later this year.

Mercedes-Benz is also readying a €1 billion ($A1.54 billion) investment into a global battery production network spanning five factories and three continents, which started with a facility in the town of Kamenz, Germany.

Another €500 million ($A769.33 million) will be invested in Kamenz, where the company will build a second factory for lithium-ion batteries, while the first battery production facility outside of Germany will be situated in China.

Daimler AG member of the board responsible for Greater China Hubertus Troska said China will play a pivotal part in Mercedes-Benz’s electric future.

“By 2025, the Chinese market will have a substantial share in sales of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles,” he said.

“Therefore, local production will be key to the success of our EV portfolio, and crucial to flexibly serving local demand for electric vehicles.”Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz member of the divisional board of cars, production and supply chain Markus Schaefer said ramping-up battery production is key to the brand’s plans.

“The battery is the key component of e-mobility,” he said. “As batteries are the heart of our electric vehicles we put a 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 ensure the optimal supply of production.

“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.”