Mercedez Benz News Mercedes-Benz's R&D Boss Says They're Working On 311 Mile Electric Vehicle

[William Maley]

German automakers are currently working on competitors to take on Tesla Model S. Case in point is Mercedes-Benz. In an interview with German publication auto motor und sport, Mercedes-Benz's development chief Thomas Weber said they are working on electric vehicle with a range of 400-500 kilometers (228-311 miles) that could be arriving 'soon'.

 

Now this model would use Mercedes' modular platform, which means other models could use this new electric powertrain.

 

This comes at an interesting time for Mercedes-Benz as the relationship between it and Tesla appears to be unraveling. Back in 2009, Mercedes' parent company, Diamler took a 9.1 percent stake in Tesla. The two would work together on some vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric drive. But last year, Tesla removed Diamler from its board. Afterwards, the German company sold off the rest of its shares in the electric car company.

 

Source: auto motor und sport, Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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[smk4565]

Electric cars get some headlines, but electric cars and hybrids are still like 2% of the overall market.  So I wonder if it is even worth bothering making a Tesla competitor.  Unless it gets merged with their idea of a 4-door GT car.

[David]

States like Washington have dropped all incentives for CNG and Propane and are focused on Electric and Bio-Diesel. Washington is paying to install 220 or pay 50% for a 440 charger at your house and you do not pay sales tax on an electric auto purchase or any use tax. The only thing you have to pay is a registration fee of $33 dollars a year. This truly makes electric auto's attractive to many people who want a commuter car and local errand auto.

 

As I have stated in other threads, the Chevy Bolt is heavily booked at dealerships here and in the posting I did on the unofficial state auto, you find the the Nissan Leaf, BMW I series of auto's and Tesla sell at over 400% compared to average sales elsewhere. MB would be wise to have an electric competitor to Tesla as the Washington state High Tech industry here is crazy for electric.