In a somewhat unexpected announcement, Mercedes-Benz has revealed a radical new plan to become an all-electric automaker by 2030, and it’s the latest sign of how major automotive firms are gearing up for a future based around electric vehicles. The luxury German automaker can trace its roots back to 1886 when Karl Benz patented the first combustion engine. The technology’s long career will end after 144 years.
Transitioning to an all battery-electric lineup is already underway and from 2025 onwards, every new vehicle platform that’s launched will be electric-only. Three new electric-only architectures will debut that year alone and customers will have the option of selecting an all-electric alternative for every vehicle. Prior to this, in 2022, there will be a battery-electric alternative in every segment it currently competes in.
“The EV shift is picking up speed – especially in the luxury segment, where Mercedes-Benz belongs. The tipping point is getting closer and we will be ready as markets switch to electric-only by the end of this decade,” said CEO Ola Kallenius. “This step marks a profound reallocation of capital. By managing this faster transformation while safeguarding our profitability targets, we will ensure the enduring success of Mercedes-Benz.”
A major technological shift like this requires significant investment and Mercedes is doing just that. Total EV investments will amount to over 40 billion euros ($47 billion) between 2022 and 2030. Those aforementioned three new architectures will include the MB.EA, a scalable design that will include all medium to large passenger cars; and VAN.EA, the platform dedicated to – you guessed it – vans and light commercial vehicles. The third is probably the most exciting.
AMG.EA is the dedicated performance set up specifically for the Mercedes-AMG division. The MMA EV architecture remains on track for a 2024 launch. Next year, the Mercedes EQS, EQA, EQB, and EQV will all go on sale. The EQE sedan and SUV will debut in 2022. Reaching that 2030 deadline will require Mercedes to reorganize its powertrain activities, increase battery capacity to over 200 Gigawatt hours, up to eight Gigafactories, and setting new charging standards such as its easy to use “Plug & Play” charging system that’ll debut with the EQS in the coming months.
Mercedes also confirmed the all-electric Vision EQXX high-performance supercar with a 750-mile range will have its world premiere in 2022.
