Mercedes-Benz unveiled its "Ambition 2039" program on Monday and the automaker revealed the plan to roll out six new electric vehicles bearing the EQ label. The big push will start in 2021 with the release of electrified sedans and SUVs as part of the goal to achieve carbon neutrality.
The German company said the ultimate target is to build an EV version of all available Mercedes-Benz models, indicating that at least 50 electrified vehicles will be rolled out in the future with the iconic MB logo.
The electrification program will also focus on the development of MB's in-house battery technology and the company stressed that it intends to take the lead in the emerging electromobility industry. Mercedes-Benz said as its vehicle portfolio becomes electrified, factories will be constructed or redesigned to manufacture EQ vehicles and batteries.
In expanding the EQ portfolio, the automaker has earmarked €10 billion for the electrification project that will see the assembly of EVs in Germany, China, and the United States. According to Forbes, Mercedes-Benz will be manufacturing two EQ models in Alabama.
Among the first to roll out from the EQ line are the EQS sedan and the EQA SUV that will be assembled in Germany and China. These models will be followed by the EQB SUV and the EQE utility vehicle, which according to Mercedes-Benz will be released in versions that were manufactured in facilities from Europe, China, and the United States.
All these EVs are expected to hit the market beginning in 2021 and up to 2022. The German automaker said more EQ models will be introduced in the coming years.
At the same time, Mercedes-Benz will continue to grow its plug-in hybrid division that presently boasts of 20 models. The company indicated that five more MB hybrids will be introduced over the next five years.
Mercedes-Benz pushing hard on electrification is signaled by the plan to expand the company's EV portfolio and start on the road to achieving large-scale production capabilities. This is true for both the EV thrust and the battery technology, and according to Electrek, MB is certainly stepping on the pedal to accelerate the transition.
The automaker came late to the game but this big electrification push should indicate that Mercedes-Benz is playing the game and rather seriously. Over the next few years, MB's EV lineup will see accelerated growth, and the company is seen to catch up eventually with rivals.
By the time the planned EQ models become available, Mercedes-Benz will have transitioned from a conventional to a modern automaker, and ready to compete with the likes of Tesla, Ford, and GMC. Still, MB will retain its premium vehicle identity while offering a futuristic EV experience.
