Mercedes-Benz is preparing to go 100% electric as early as 2030, where market conditions allow. The luxury car company will preview a bright electric future with an energy-dense Vision EQXX concept car that can travel 1,000+ kilometers per charge.
On Jul 22, Mercedes kicked off its electrification presentation stating that its near-future plans will involve the “full and rapid electrification of products.” By 2022, it will have battery electric vehicle (BEV) options in every segment the company serves. From 2025 onwards, it will have BEV alternatives for every model it sells, and all newly launched vehicle architectures will be electric-only.
Also, by 2025, Mercedes will launch three pure-electric platforms:
- The MB.EA platform will cover all medium to large-size electric passenger cars;
- The AMG.EA will be a performance electric vehicle platform;
- And the VAN.EA will serve electric vans and other Light Commercial Vehicles, contributing to emission-free transportation in the future.
Ola Källenius, the CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, said:
The EV shift is picking up speed – especially in the luxury segment. The tipping point is getting closer, and we will be ready as markets switch to electric-only by the end of this decade.
Before Mercedes rolls out a full array of all-electric platforms, it will preview the future with the Vision EQXX concept, scheduled to debut next year. Vision EQXX will exceed 1,000 km (621 miles) per charge, using a multifaceted strategy that includes increased energy density and enhanced aerodynamics.
The multi-disciplinary EQXX team, including experts from Mercedes-Benz’s F1 High-Performance Powertrain division, is pushing for energy density levels of over 6 miles (10 km) per kWh at standard highway driving speeds. In addition, Mercedes states that the technological advances featured on the EQXX concept will be adapted for possible integration into future electric platforms.
Mercedes-Benz will need to have a battery capacity of over 200 Gigawatt hours to meet the massive battery demands needed for its ambitious electric expansion. To achieve this, it plans to build eight Gigafactory’s with global partners. Those factories will be in addition to the already planned network of nine plants dedicated to building battery systems.
According to the automaker, its next-gen batteries will be standardized for use in 90% of its vans and cars while being flexible enough to meet the needs of individual customers. In addition, Mercedes plans to collaborate with partners like SilaNano to develop a silicon-carbon composite anode and solid-state battery technology. This will increase energy density and decrease charging times.
Mercedes’ plans also include:
- The acquisition of UK-based axial flux motor and electronics specialist YASA to develop next-generation ultra-high-performance motors.
- Implementation of a direct sales model.
- Working with Shell on the expansion of ‘Mercedes me Charge,’ one of the world’s largest charging networks, currently comprising more than 530,000 AC and DC charging points worldwide.
- And decreasing internal combustion and plug-in hybrid investments by 80% by 2026 (as opposed to 2019).
In total, the three-pointed star will invest over €40 billion (around US$47 billion) in battery electric vehicles between 2022 and the end of the decade.
Earlier this year, Mercedes unveiled its Concept EQT minivan with a fully electric EQ powertrain that supports a clean and comfortable commute. The seven-seater electric minivan features dual sliding doors, a panoramic roof, and so much more. It even has an integrated electric longboard in the trunk to add some last-mile flexibility, keeping that electric ride going even after parking!
