Mercedes-Benz has started producing high-performance batteries for its latest EQS limousine, the fully-electric model of the S-Class family.
The high voltage lithium-ion battery cells are manufactured at Mercedes-Benz’ latest dedicated Stuttgart-Hedelfingen plant, as part of the Unterturkheim location in Stuttgart, Germany. In addition to scaling up the EQS battery production, this new electric-mobility technology competence centre called Mercedes-Benz Drive Systems Campus Unterturkheim also focuses on the development of highly efficient motors, power electronics and software testing.
The upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS will feature one of the highest gross energy content battery in the EV segment with 108 kWh, targeting a range of 700 kilometres. The launch of the EQS will be followed by the EQE, which will also source its batteries from the Stuttgart-Hedelfingen plant. Besides its CO2-neutrally produced cells, the EQS battery cell chemistry includes nickel, cobalt and manganese in a ratio of 8: 1: 1, cutting the cobalt content to around 10%.
All sub-assembly systems including the massive 141-cm MBUX Hyperscreen will then be moved to highly advanced Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, where the final assembly of the Mercedes EQS will take place. The full unveiling of the all-electric limousine is slated for April 15th with deliveries to customers expected in August.
Mercedes-Benz launched the entry-level EQA in January that, in the most general terms, is a fully-electric version of the latest GLA crossover. Its smaller 66.5 kWh battery pack is manufactured by Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Accumotive in Kamenz. This battery plant, which was also the company’s previous battery production competence centre, supplies battery pack for the EQC SUV model as well as various plug-in hybrid models.
Mercedes-Benz is investing more than one billion Euros in the establishment of a global battery production network that consist of nine factories at seven locations on three continents, including one in Thailand operated by Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant (TAAP).
The investment into the extensive battery plant network is to support the mid-term product offensive of over 10 fully electric models and 25 plug-in hybrid models by 2025, with EV models doubling by the end of this decade.
