Mercedes-Benz to counter Tesla by introducing four new EVs



It seems that more and more car manufacturers are hopping onto the electric vehicle (EV) bandwagon; the latest being Mercedes-Benz. With Tesla Motors enjoying its domination in the field of EV, the tide could begin to turn with four possible EV models bearing the three-pointed star.

Following rivals Porsche and Audi’s electric plans with the Mission E and Q6 e-tron, Mercedes is not left behind in the EV fray. The board was just given the green light to its new Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA) program, with two passenger EV saloons followed by two SUV models slated for introduction sometime in the future.merc-concept-IAA2

While no specific model has been revealed for this electrification plan, it’s likely that the C- and E-Class saloons including their crossover counterparts – the GLC and GLE – will be selected for the program. If all goes well, Mercedes-Benz will execute “Phase 2” which will see its flagship S-Class and another large SUV joining the pack.

Reports also suggest that the EVs will share Daimler’s current MRA platform of which include the suspension, body, electrical components and so on. The 400 kg battery pack will be integrated into the floor pan, supplying power to either a rear-wheel or all-wheel configuration. The RWD models will be propelled by a single 300 kW (402 hp) rear-mounted motor, whereas the AWD models will benefit from having two electric motors rated at 90 kW (120 hp) or 150 kW (201 hp). The EVA cars will be priced around £70-80,000 (roughly RM445k to RM508k) in the UK.merc-concept-IAA3

Also, Mercedes-Benz’s New Electric Vehicle (NEV) collaboration with China will see the Stuttgart carmaker build an EV model exclusively to China by 2020, filling a void caused by Tesla last year.

Elon Musk, you’ve been warned. The Germans are coming after you!