Mercedes-Benz has introduced plans to develop 10 different electric car models by 2022, three years earlier than initial announcements indicated. This will place Mercedes-Benz in competition with Tesla, Porsche, BMW, Audi, Jaguar and other car companies that have plans to release more electric cars over the next decade. Bloomberg reports that this increase is in response to an effort to meet European regulations on carbon-dioxide emissions. According to Mercedes-Benz parent company chairman Manfred Bishoff, Mercedes-Benz wants to be a leader in transforming the automotive industry to cars that run on electric motors as the industry embraces the direction of energy-efficient electric vehicles and self-driving cars. The electric vehicle line will be named EQ, as a reference to electric intelligence.
Mercedes-Benz is reportedly investing 10 billion Euros (approximately 15 billion US dollars) to hasten the process of meeting the target launch date. Besides the goals to meet European regulations on carbon emissions, this hastened development timeline may also be in response to the progress of other manufacturers in pursuing electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is releasing new luxury electric car models like a GLC-sized crossover line, but Mercedes-Benz is also planning to diversify its offerings, including an electric heavy-duty truck having a 124-mile range.
Other companies that are planning releases in the next five years include Porsche, who is planning 2019 to launch its Mission E concept, whereas BMW is targeting 2021 to release its i-branded vehicle and other electric models like the Mini Hardtop and the next generation X3. Audi in turn has three electric vehicle models planned by 2020, including a crossover and a sedan.
So who knows, maybe the next luxury German vehicle you own may be a powered by a battery? The future may be here sooner than you think. For now and in the future, the certified technicians at ASI Collision can help you with any collision repair services to your luxury German vehicle. Our certifications and our state-of-the-art tools and aluminum cleanroom technology make us the best collision repair service center in all of Boston — call us at 617-364-1722.