Mercedes-Benz is to launch half a dozen new, zero emission, electric cars via its ‘EQ’ sub-brand by 2022, the manufacturer confirmed. Such vehicles are a step towards creating a fully electric fleet that cannot – at the point of use, at least – emit any pollutants that damage the environment and cause health issues.
This is probably good timing. Why? Because there is increasing pressure from legislation, eco-warriors, and drivers to minimise transport pollution. Mercedes-Benz must therefore increasingly produce zero emission electric cars to stay relevant and profitable. It cannot rely on internal combustion models long term.
Mercedes-Benz wants to go much further, though. It ‘intends to lead’ the electric car revolution so it is ‘investing heavily in its transformation’. Factories around the world are preparing to produce such cars, for example. Furthermore, the manufacturer is focussing ‘in particular’ on its battery technology. ‘Mercedes-Benz is consistently on the path to CO₂ neutrality’, it stressed firmly.
New electric vehicle preview
The Mercedes-Benz EQS Saloon is the first of the forthcoming electric cars. This large, luxurious, top-spec saloon is an alternative to the S-Class. Further details are sketchy, but rumours suggest it has 469bhp, hits 62mph in 4.5 seconds, and travels up to 435 miles per-charge. Apparently, it also has a 350kW charge system that can fill the battery from 0 - 80% in 20 minutes.
The styling is expected to be sleek, muscular, and to make most other cars look old fashioned. Rumours also suggest that the interior is minimalistic. Rather, for example, than countless buttons expect a big screen on the dashboard to control most systems. Production is expected to start in the first half of 2021.
The motor manufacturer confirmed which other fully electric vehicles it expects to launch (and roughly when). They include the:
- Mercedes-Benz EQA: compact sports-utility (2021)
- Mercedes-Benz EQB: compact sports-utility (2021)
- Mercedes-Benz EQE Saloon: medium saloon (2021)
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: medium sports-utility (2022)
- Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: large sports-utility (2022).
Mercedes-Benz discusses its new electric cars
The manufacturer also summarised the scale of its short term electric vehicle launch plan. Board member, Jörg Burzer, explained:
‘The Mercedes-Benz production network is global, digital and flexible, and ready for the upcoming electric offensive. This is thanks, of course, to our highly qualified and motivated employees. We are now beginning a real Mercedes EQ fireworks display. Six electric product launches by 2022 underscore the strength and competence of our Mercedes-Benz production sites’, Mr Burzer added.