Mercedes-Benz has committed to going all-electric by the end of the decade, but that promise might come into question if certain countries don’t live up to their end of the bargain.
Shifting to an “electric-only” mindset, Mercedes says it will offer a fully electric model in every segment from 2022, and from 2025 every model sold will be offered with a pure-electric model.
However in a carefully worded press release this week the manufacturer claimed they can only guarantee to make the changes “where market conditions allow” – meaning Mercedes could continue selling ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles after 2030 in countries that lack consumer demand or pro-active government support for EVs.
In reality that could see Australia miss out on certain EV models arriving here in the short to mid-term, which would be a shame given the promise by Mercedes of some seriously high powered zero-emissions models.
Alongside electric versions of the Mercedes-Benz’s G-class wagons and AMG high-performance vehicles, executives teased the development of the Vision EQXX – an electric car with a real-world range of more than 1,000 kilometres. If achieved, it would make the Vision EQXX one of the longest range EVs on the market.
“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 Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG.
To facilitate this shift, Mercedes unveiled a comprehensive plan which includes investments of more than €40 billion ($63.8 billion AUD) into EVs between 2022 and 2030.
“By managing this faster transformation while safeguarding our profitability targets, we will ensure the enduring success of Mercedes-Benz,” Källenius added.
“Thanks to our highly qualified and motivated workforce, I am convinced that we will be successful in this exciting new era.”
