Incredible efficiency and range - the Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX concept teases the future

The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX sets off on its record-breaking trip. Images: Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is not a production car, nor a showy concept vehicle but rather an engineering test bed for future Mercedes-Benz Group technologies. This week, the EQXX travelled from Sindelfingen across the Swiss Alps and Northern Italy, to Cassis on the Côte d'Azur in France - a journey of more than 1,000 kilometres (620 miles). The long-distance drive was completed with the charging socket sealed and accompanied by an independent expert from certification body TÜV Süd.

Averaging a record 8.7 kWh/100km energy consumption figure, the EQXX’s battery still held a 15% state of charge (around 140km) upon arrival. So how was this achieved?

The answer is of course, not due to one single factor, rather an incredible soup of advanced design and engineering. The EQXX’s slightly odd, rounded form provides an aerodynamic drag coefficient of Cd 0.17, lower than the slippery EQS which has a score of 0.20. Mercedes-Benz says that air “flows elegantly like a water droplet towards the rear".

According to Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, “The VISION EQXX is the most efficient Mercedes ever built. The technology programme behind it marks a milestone in the development of electric vehicles. It underpins our strategic aim to ‘Lead in Electric’,”

Low rolling resistance tyres were specially developed for the EQXX in conjunction with Bridgestone. At 185/65 R 20 97 T, the wide diameter and narrow width provide a 20 percent weight reduction, improved aerodynamic geometry, and in conjunction with lightweight magnesium wheels, greater driving range.

Bionic engineering is Mercedes’ fancy term for making stuff lighter. Tesla has pushed the automotive industry forward with its lightweight, single-piece castings, but Mercedes-Benz has gone further with its bionic-looking structural components. The skeletal aluminium chassis components have holes where structural rigidity is not necessary, providing a 20 percent weight reduction.

A 100 kWh battery — the same capacity as the Mercedes-Benz EQS — sits within the floor of the EQXX, however it weighs just 495kg, some 30 percent less than the EQS. With 50 percent less volume than its sedan sibling, the EQXX battery measures just 200 x 126 x 11 cm. The total weight of the vehicle is 1,755 kilograms.

While we won’t see the EQXX’s technology in production vehicles anytime soon, Mercedes-Benz has always been a leader in automotive engineering, safety and drivetrain development. The S-Class limousine debuted many features now taken for granted on the cheapest of econoboxes today, from the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), airbags, and adaptive cruise control. We can be certain that innovations debuted within the EQXX will begin to filter through to Mercedes’ production battery electric vehicles this decade.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

CUPRA Born enters series production at Europe's largest EV factory

CUPRA’s Born EV undergoing final inspection on the assembly line. Images: Volkswagen

The CUPRA Born is now rolling off the production line at Volkswagen Group’s electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Zwickau, Germany.

The Born is the fifth of six electric vehicles to be manufactured in the Zwickau plant, and follows series production of the Volkswagen ID.3/ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. The sixth model will be Volkswagen’s ID.5 crossover.

Volkswagen plans to eventually move production of the Born to its factory in Marotell, Spain, which also manufactures the Audi A1 Sportback, and a number of Seat models. According to CUPRA CEO Wayne Griffiths, “Producing our first 100% electric model in Europe's largest electric vehicle factory will provide valuable learnings as we look to build electric vehicles in Martorell from 2025 onwards. Our ambition is to produce more than 500,000 urban electric vehicles per year in Spain for different Group brands.”

Sharing its underpinnings with Volkswagen’s ID.3 compact electric vehicle, the Born sits on the MEB modular electric vehicle architecture, and offers customers a more design-focused and sporty option in the compact EV class.

The CUPRA Born is the brand's first model to follow a net CO²-neutral concept, whereby energy from renewable sources is used in the supply chain. Executives within the group are aiming to increase the CUPRA sales mix to 20% of Volkswagen Group’s overall sales and to reach new international markets.

The CUPRA Born will go on sale in November 2021 across Europe. The brand intends to enter the Australian market in 2022, though the Born will likely not arrive down under until 2023.

German auto giants Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen accelerate battery production plans

Following news this week that Ford has partnered with Redwood Materials to secure future battery component supply chains, we have an announcement from Daimler that Mercedes-Benz has secured a 33 percent stake in Automotive Cells Company (ACC), a battery cell manufacturer with a presence in France. The stake is estimated to be worth around $1.2 billion USD ($1.65 billion AUD).

Stellantis and French petroleum company TotalEnergies own 33 percent each. Automotive News Europe reports Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kaellenius has said “the purpose of the partnership is to develop cells and battery modules and “help ensure that Europe remains at the heart of the auto industry — even in an electric era.”

Mercedes-Benz will provide technology and production expertise to the ACC partnership, and aims to manufacture at least 120 Gigawatt hours of cell capacity by the end of the decade with its partners. The company is moving towards a modular, standardised battery “kit” that allows battery cells and modules from different manufacturers to easily fit with its range of components and interfaces.

High energy density, performance and charging power are key benchmarks for the project according to Daimler. ACC will primarily use renewable energy for its production facilities, and the batteries themselves will be over 95 percent recyclable.

ACC’s first new factory will be located in Northern France, and plans to be operational by 2023.

A rendering of JAC Volkswagen’s Hefei battery production facility. Image: Volkswagen

Volkswagen powers ahead in China

Meanwhile, Chinese joint venture Jianghuai Automobile Group/Volkswagen (JAC Volkswagen) will also have a new battery factory operational by 2023, located in Hefei city. Automotive News Europe states that the factory's initial capacity will be 150,000 to 180,000 battery systems a year.

This is the fourth battery factory in the works for the Wolfsburg automaker, with plants in Brunswick and Salzgitter Germany coming online in the next couple of years. A battery factory in Chattanooga, TN and at Volkswagen technology partner Northvolt’s Skellefteå plant should also be operational by 2023. Volkswagen plans to produce unified, modular cells like Mercedes-Benz for its scalable MEB platform architecture, and has flagged an annual capacity of up to 180,000 battery systems from its Hefei plant.

“With a significant increase of battery-electric vehicles in the future, we need to focus on keeping key components like battery systems in our own value chain, allowing us to leverage Group-wide synergies and innovations” says Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Group China. He goes on to say that “Volkswagen Anhui and VW Anhui Components Company, alongside our two strong Joint Ventures, are crucial to our electrification strategy and to achieving our goal of the Volkswagen Group China fleet reaching over 40% NEVs by 2030”.

Sources: Daimler, Automotive News Europe

[Updated] The new BMW CE 04 electric scooter is a futuristic urban commuter with a 130km range

[Update] 1:15pm 8/7/21: The CE 04 is confirmed for an Australian market introduction in Q1 2022, and pricing and specifications are listed at the bottom of this article. At $20,350 AUD, it’s certainly not cheap, but with little maintenance and refueling needed, we’re confident this scooter will find popularity among well-heeled urban commuters.

BMW is well known for its motorcycles; the Bavarian automaker has built many iconic bikes such as the twin-cylinder boxer-engined R series, to the water-cooled BMW K series, however outside Europe, BMW Motorrad is not a name synonymous with scooters.

The BMW CE 04 is a serious bike, and BMW is throwing all its technology at the futuristic scooter. With an 8.9 kWh battery pack, the CE 04 shares its cells with the yet-to-be-released iX SUV. According to Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW AG, “The BMW CE 04 is our new electric star for the city. It combines an e-drive with emotion and motorcycling fun. The latest technology, and the best battery cells, which also provide power in the BMW iX.”

Those 8.9 kWh will provide a 130 kilometre (81 mile) range, and power a 31 kW (42 PS) rear wheel-mounted electric motor that propels the CE 04 from 0 to 50 km/h (31 mph) in just 2.6 seconds. In the urban traffic light grand prix, the CE 04 will be tough to beat. The maximum speed is 120 km/h (65 mph).

BMW will make a reduced-output version available in Europe, with 23 kW (31 PS) to comply with L3e-A1 vehicle class regulations for riders with licence restrictions.

The battery will charge from 0-100 percent on a regular, household power socket (2.3 kW) in 4 hours and 20 minutes. With a 6.9 kW fast charger, the same charge will take only 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Design and Technology

Let’s talk design; it has already been designed as radical and futuristic, but I think it’s the perfect evolution of BMW’s urban mobility bikes. a broad, aggressive front with LED headlgiths, low-slung body thanks to the hub-mounted motor and tech-y colours like grey, white, matte black and orange. BMW designers have even described it as architectural, and the CE 04 appears to share some design elements with the BMW Welt pictured in some photographs below.

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There’s a 10.25-inch TFT colour screen with integrated map navigation and telephone connectivity. It would be great to see a touch interface integration of Apple Carplay or Android Auto, but we’re not sure if that smartphone mirroring tech has made it to bikes yet.

A permanent magnet electric motor mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel drives the CE 04, and three riding modes “ECO”, “Rain” and “Road” are standard. The additional “Dynamic” riding mode is also available as an ex-works option, enabling the scooter to accelerate at an even swifter pace. it’s unclear whether this will be available as an option outside Europe at this stage.

Engineering and Mechanicals

BMW bikes are always criticised for their price, and sure, one does pay a premium for perceived brand cache, however from the handful of different (petrol) BMW bikes I’ve ridden, you can literally feel the engineering that has gone into the product. They ride, corner and handle beautifully, and inspire a confidence on the road that, in my opinion, is worth the entry price.

The main frame of the body is a tubular steel construction. The front wheel is controlled by a telescopic fork with a slider tube diameter of 35 mm. Rear wheel control consists of a single-sided swing arm. At the rear, suspension and damping are performed by a directly controlled, fully covered spring strut.15 inch tyres are standard, with 120/70 R15 67H fitted at the front, and 160/60 R15 56H at the rear. These are sure to provide grip aplenty.

Powerful braking is present to halt all that performance; disc brakes all round, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ASC (Automatic Stability Control).

While 130 kilometres of range may not sound like much, that’s enough in theory to complete the round-trip from Palm Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to the Central Business District, or from Greenwich Connecticut to Midtown Manhattan.

While greater range is always welcome, there is an environmental and performance trade-off, and we think BMW has struck the right balance here with its 8.9 kWh battery pack.

The BMW CE 04 will launch in Spring 2022 (quarter 2) in the northern hemisphere; BMW Australia has been contacted regarding a possible local market introduction.

[Update] Australian specification is as follows:

BMW CE 04: $20,350* 

Standard specification: 

- Liquid-cooled permanent magnet electric motor 

- 130kW (42hp) output 

- 62Nm torque 

- 8.9kWh air-cooled lithium-ion high voltage battery 

- 2.3kWh charger 

- Tooth-belt driven gearbox (total gear ratio: 10.5) 

- Dynamic Package (Headlight Pro, Adaptive Headlight, Daytime Riding Light, Riding Modes Pro, ABS Pro) 

- Comfort Package (Heated Grips and Backrest Comfort Seat) 

- Seat Heating 

- Tyre Pressure Control 

- Centre Stand 

- LED indicators 

- LED headlight and taillight 

- 10.25-inch TFT display 

- Ventilated mobile phone charging compartment 

- USB-C charging port 

- Front and side storage compartments 

- Light White paint 

Options 

- Backrest Comfort Seat II: No cost option (note: recommended for riders above 190cm tall) 

- Windshield High: $140 

- Anti-theft alarm system: $375 

- 30A Quick Charger: $1,330 

BMW CE 04 Avantgarde: $20,690* 

Includes all standard specification from the CE 04 and adds the following: 

- Windshield High 

- Magellan Grey Metallic paint 

Options 

- Backrest Comfort Seat II: No cost option (note: recommended for riders above 190cm tall) 

- Anti-theft alarm system: $375 

- 30A Quick Charger: $1,330 

Porsche invests in Cellforce Group GmbH in the pursuit of high-performance battery technology

Porsche and joint venture partner Customcells today announced the launch of production for high-performance battery cells at the Weissach Development Centre. The announcement demonstrates Porsche’s continued technological innovation, and its commitment to e-mobility.

Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche, Winfried Kretschmann, Minister President of Baden-Württemberg. Images: Porsche

“The battery cell is the combustion chamber of the future. As a new Porsche subsidiary, the Cellforce Group will be instrumental in driving forward the research, development, production, and sale of high-performance battery cells,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche. “This joint venture allows us to position ourselves at the forefront of global competition in developing the most powerful battery cell and make it the link between the unmistakable Porsche driving experience and sustainability. This is how we shape the future of the sports car.”

Porsche has been involved in the research of high-performance cells with silicon anodes for a while now; early research in this new battery technology has demonstrated it is possible to significantly boost the power density of cells compared to current batteries. New chemistry reduces the battery’s internal resistance, and it can offer the same energy content with a smaller footprint, and crucially, less weight. Silicon anodes effectively hold many more lithium ions, and they can move more freely than through graphite. An extra benefit is that lower-quality silicon can be used to no detriment, potentially making silicon anode Li-ion batteries cheaper than current graphite anode technology.

This graphic demonstrates how current batteries are charged and discharged. Image: Porsche

Porsche holds an 84 per cent majority stake in the new venture, which will be headquartered in the university town of Tübingen. The town is also a likely contender for a new battery cell factory, due to its proximity to the abovementioned development centre in Weissach and Porsche AG’s Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen headquarters.

The number of employees is expected to grow from the initial workforce of 13 provided jointly by both companies to up to 80 by 2025. The Federal Republic of Germany and the state of Baden-Württemberg are funding the project with around 60 million euros.

Michael Steiner, Boris Palmer, Torge Thönnessen, Winfried Kretschmann and Oliver Blume (f.l.t.r.)

“We founded Customcells with the aim of developing customer-specific battery cells for the most demanding of applications, and this is exactly what we can now realise together with Porsche. The goal for the planned production plant is to reach a minimum annual capacity of 100 MWh. This is equivalent to high-performance batteries for 1,000 vehicles,” explains Torge Thönnessen, CEO of Customcells. “We are not only contributing our expertise in cell technology and production into our partnership with Porsche, but also agility, innovative strength, and individual problem-solving skills,” adds Leopold König, who is also the new company’s CEO.

Source: Porsche

Mercedes-Benz releases technical details of electric EQS sedan ahead of April 15 launch

Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC flagship to offer 770km range, 385kW power

Following the recent reveal of the Mercedes Benz EQS interior, we now have a full suite of technical details for the S-Class segment EV from the German automaker. Set to arrive in three variants, the EQS sedan will be a technological tour-de-force based on the automaker's dedicated EV architecture dubbed EVA, with an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.20cd (Tesla’s revised Model S promises a drag coefficient of 0.208cd), rear and all wheel drive options, sophisticated thermal management, and two battery options with net usable capacities of 90 kW and 107.8 kW. Let’s take a look at the range:

• Mercedes Benz EQS 450+

  • single permanent magnet synchronous motor, rear wheel drive

  • 245 kW (333 PS) / 568 Nm (418 lb ft), WLTP combined energy consumption 20.4-15.7kWh/100 km, range not stated

  • 90 kWh nickel, manganese cobalt (NMC) modular battery, pouch cell design with 400V architecture, 200 kW DC fast charging

• Mercedes Benz EQS 580 4MATIC

  • front and rear permanent magnet synchronous motors, all wheel drive

  • 385 kW (523 PS) / 855 Nm (630 lb ft), WLTP combined energy consumption 21.8-17.4 kWh/100 km, range up to 770 km (478 miles)

  • 107.8 kWh NMC modular battery, hard case cell design with 400V architecture, 200 kW DC fast charging

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Is there anything special about the technology in the EQS?

In typical Mercedes Benz fashion, the press kit is a weighty tome. The largest battery available is a whopping 107.8 kWh, good for a claimed 770 kilometres (478 miles) of range on the WLTP combined cycle. Mercedes-Benz states the battery management system is designed for over the air updates, and that the batteries’ cell chemistry has been revised to reduce cobalt use, with the optimised active material constituting nickel, cobalt and manganese in a ratio of 8:1:1.

AC charging is available up to 22 kW, and DC charging can pump 200 kW into the EQS, good for 300 kilometres (186 miles) of charge in 15 minutes.

In terms of the drivetrain, Mercedes-Benz has worked with Bosch to develop synchronous motors for the EQS, unlike the asynchronous type found in the EQC. This means that the speed of the stator's magnetic field is equal to the motor's rotor speed, eliminating slip, and providing greater refinement, precision and efficiency. The motor on the rear axle features six-phase operation with two windings of three phases each, and stators with pull-in winding.

Mercedes-Benz claims a particularly strong magnetic field, improving energy efficiency, performance and reducing space in these new motors. The 4MATIC all wheel drive system continuously distributes the drive torques between the front and rear axles.

Braking recuperation is available, with drivers able to select from three stages. The recuperation output is up to 290 kW, with the ability to brake to a stop.

How smart is the EQS?

Tesla’s navigation route guidance has the ability to accurately calculate projected energy consumption versus real time consumption to your destination based on driving inputs, traffic and topography has always been considered industry leading. Mercedes-Benz will be introducing Navigation with Electric Intelligence on the EQS, which promises to calculate routes based on projected energy demand including topography of route, ambient temperature, energy consumers and more, as well as responding dynamically to congestion and changes in energy demand.

Mercedes-Benz promises smart navigation on the EQS.

Critically, the charging process must be simple for the EQS. Mercedes-Benz will be attempting to lure current S-Class owners into their flagship EV, and will also be looking to make conquest sales from the likes of Tesla, Porsche and BMW. It is critical that the charging process requires minimal effort for EQS owners, and Mercedes-Benz is promising a plug-and-charge service at European Ionity chargers where the vehicle and charger will automatically perform a handshake and sort out payment. It’s expected that United States EQS owners will have access to the Electrify America (EA) DC fast charging network, but it’s imperative that this flagship vehicle avoid charging issues seen by many on the Electrify America network.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS will be revealed in full on April 15.

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Source: Mercedes-Benz

Meet the Dacia Spring - an electric crossover you can purchase in Europe for a ridiculous price

The Dacia Spring is the cheapest BEV on sale in Europe

If one needed proof that European manufacturers are getting serious about decarbonising their passenger car fleets, look no further than the Dacia Spring. A Romanian manufacturer dating from 1966, Automobile Dacia is now wholly-owned by Groupe Renault, and produces a number of passenger and commercial vehicles with an emphasis on practicality and price.

The price of the Dacia Spring varies by country; in Germany it lists for €20,490, in the UK for £14,500 and in Romania for €18,100. Factor in electric vehicle/environmental grants available, and those numbers drop to €10,920 (€-9,570) in Germany, £12,000 (-£2,500) in the UK, and €8,100 (€-10,000) in Romania. Yes, with a generous state grant for environmental vehicles in Romania under the Rabla Plus (Clunker Plus) scheme, this Dacia costs less than some two-wheeled vehicles.

So what’s under the skin? There’s a 33 kW (45 PS) front-mounted electric motor with 125 Nm (92 lb ft) of torque, a 26.8 kWh battery and a compact crossover body that seats five. Before you start decrying the range and performance of those specifications, there’s one more number to consider: Curb weight. At 921 kg (2,030 lb) The Dacia Spring is incredibly light for an electric car, and therefore provides acceptable performance for a city car, and provides a useful range of 225 km (139 miles) on the WLTP combined cycle. That’s perfectly fine for a few days driving around town.

We believe that the future of electric vehicles may look something like the Dacia Spring. It will require a mindset-shift in consumers, but we will no longer be looking for a one-car-fits-all solution, and the Dacia spring is a perfect city car/car-share prospect. The nature of electrification and battery technology means that less mass simply means greater efficiency and range, and therefore a market will emerge for smaller, lighter (and cheaper) BEVs that are designed exclusively for commuting. According to the European Parliament Resolution on Sustainable Urban Mobility, by 2050, 82 percent of Europeans will commute outside an area in which they live (though this may change post COVID-19). Obviously, public transport is key to moving greater numbers of people more efficiently, but Europeans—and Australians and Americans—love their cars, and cheap, efficient urban commuter vehicles will be key to the phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles this decade.

Volkswagen EV Convertible could join ID.3 range according to CEO

VW CEO shares concept sketches of possible future electric ID.3 variant

Volkswagen’s CEO, Ralf Brandstätter appears keen on a drop-top variant of the electric ID.3 hatch, after sharing the following text and sketch image on Linkedin:

“An ID.3 convertible? Sounds quite appealing: enjoying nature with the top down, with the instant, but silent electric punch. This could provide an entirely new, extraordinary feeling of freedom. I admit: a very tempting idea. We are still pondering how to turn this attractive concept into reality. Just in case, our design team has already sketched out some initial ideas. The most exciting question: what do YOU think? Would electric driving and an open-air-experience make a perfect match?”

Of course, any new model has to go through a rigorous design and approval process; most manufacturers spend five-plus years developing a new model, meaning that this is a tease in the true sense of the word and that the ID.3 convertible is already a fait accompli for the brand in the coming years, or Brandstätter could genuinely be gauging public interest before the board gives the project a green light.

We’re a fan of Volkswagen convertibles with a Mark VI Golf cabriolet currently in our extended family. These ID.3 convertible sketches capture the blunt rear and deep sides of the early Golf cabriolets (though sadly without the roll-over hoop) whilst maintaining the ID.3 hatchback’s agressive, snub-nose front.

The ID.3 convertible has an uphill battle ahead though, with cabriolet and roadster sales on the decline in recent years, as more and more consumers around the world purchase SUVs (much to our chagrin). Mercedes-Benz has cancelled the SLC roadster, Mini has stated that the Mini Cooper cabriolet won’t make it to the next generation of vehicles and it could be last drinks for Audi’s iconic TT roadster.

If the ID.3 convertible does indeed make it to market, then it will be the first four-seat all electric vehicle on sale. When you think about it, an EV drivetrain is perfect for open top motoring: Zero noise means passengers are able to enjoy the sounds of nature as they whizz through the Schwarzwald or along the Côte d'Azur, and zero emissions results in a healthier driving experience.

The ID.3 hatch and ID.4 SUV are scheduled to arrive in Australia from 2023.

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Ford Europe to produce electric cars exclusively by 2030

Ford Europe to go all electric by 2030 with new models and new e-mobility factory in cologne

• Ford plans for 100% of its passenger vehicle range in Europe to be zero-emissions capable by mid-2026, moving to all-electric by 2030

• $1 billion will be invested in a new electric vehicle manufacturing centre in Cologne

• The company’s first European-built, volume all-electric passenger vehicle for European customers will roll off the lines in Cologne starting in 2023

• Ford will utilise Volkswagen’s modular electric-drive toolkit (MEB) to underpin the new vehicles

Ford Europe has confirmed a commitment to sustainable profitability overnight, beginning a US$1 billion transformation of its Cologne manufacturing site to modernise its vehicle assembly facility, and create a home for the company’s planned e-mobility business.

Ford states that 100 percent of their passenger vehicle range in Europe will be zero-emissions capable, all-electric or plug-in hybrid by 2026, and that the range will be completely all-electric by 2030.

The Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s all electric sports crossover. Images: Ford Motor Company

Interestingly, Ford will rely heavily on Volkswagens MEB platform architecture, with the German automaker tweeting about the deal, and claiming Ford will be using 600,000 MEB platforms and associated components by 2028:

.@Ford intends to produce its electric models on the basis of the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) developed by Volkswagen! @Ford_de

— Volkswagen Group (@VWGroup) February 17, 2021

Ford returned a profitable fourth quarter of 2020 in Europe, despite losses across the business globally. Ford recently announced US$22 billion would be allocated for e-mobility investment through 2025, across all its R&D and manufacturing facilities.

Ford’s announcement comes immediately after Jaguar Land Rover committed to electrifying their fleets over the next decade, with General Motors, Volkswagen and Volvo making similar commitments last year.

Ford’s E-Transit and Mustang Mach-E

Mercedes-Benz Accelerates EV Rollout; 8 BEVs In Production by 2022

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Images: Mercedes-Benz AU

Update: Mercedes-Benz has released an additional rendering, which you can find below. This vehicle looks to be pretty close to final production design, and will be Mercedes’ first D-segment vehicle without a traditional grille.

Mercedes-Benz has today announced announced its ambition to fully electrify the entire product portfolio by 2039 as part of a plan to achieve CO₂ neutrality, and this includes the rollout of eight all-electric Mercedes-EQ models from 2022 built on dedicated electric architecture. The first mass-market Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) from Stuttgart, the Mercedes-Benz EQC has been available around the world since 2019, and is based on the pre-existing GLC SUV platform.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS, as shown above and below will be the first to commence production in early 2021, and is essentially the luxurious S-Class reimagined for a zero emissions future. From the camouflagued vehicle, we can see an imposing physical presence -something the S-Class has always been known for- and a low, wide nose, possibly with a faux grille a-la Jaguar i-Pace or an indentation around the badge. The bonnet (hood for you North Americans!) rises steeply into a huge windscreen, which appears to continue above the driver’s head, as is the trend nowadays.

The high bootline and almost fastback look is unusual for the S-Class segment, however the large tail lights with some presumably funky graphics and lightbar spanning the width of the rear should provide a visual family reference to the EQC, while defining the EQS’ unique character.

The side profile looks a little slab-sided under camouflague, with the C-pillar, doors and rear fender covering a large area relative to the glasshouse, however it looks like there may be some interesting surfacing hiding under that blue wrap. The Goodyears on the test car look to be hugging at least 21-inch or 22-inch wheels, as is the trend these days. That’s aesthetics over efficiency for you.

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The EQS will be produced in Sindelfingen from early 2021, while the less expensive EQA and EQB models will be produced at the Rastatt and Kecskemét (Hungary) plants respectively. We can expect the world premiere of the EQA on January 20, 2021 according to Mercedes-Benz.

Fast forward to the second half of 2021, and Mercedes-Benz states that the EQE ‘business sedan’ will begin production at the Bremen plant, as well as in Beijing for the Chinese domestic market only. Continuing the the Germans’ fondness for manufacturing SUVs in the United States, the EQE and EQS SUV variants will be manufactured at the brand’s Tuscaloosa Alabama plant.

According to Mercedes, a total of eight Mercedes-EQ electric vehicles will be produced at seven locations on three continents by 2022.

Daimler’s Battery Plans

Battery development, manufacture and supply will obviously be a critical part of this increase in BEVs, and Mercedes-Benz plans to increase investment in the energy side of manufacturing, alongside battery specialists.

Mercedes-Benz and BAIC have jointly set up a battery production plant at the existing location in the Yizhuang Industrial Park in Beijing (China) for vehicles sold in the domestic market.

In addition to two battery plants in Kamenz (Germany) already producing battery systems for Mercedes-Benz, the company plans a future battery plant at the Sindelfingen site, increasing capacity already available from the nearby Untertürkheim plants in preparation for locally built electric models.

Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz is upgrading the Jawor (Poland) battery plant, currently manufacturing battery packs for plug-in hybrid variants of the C,E and S-Classes, to include battery systems for upcoming EQ models, as well as planning a battery plant in the vicinity of the Tuscaloosa Alabama factory.

You can read the full press release below, alongside an interview with Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and Supply Chain.

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Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant (Germany): Launch of electric luxury sedan EQS in Factory 56 in first half of 2021

• Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant (Germany): Production of first all-electric compact SUV EQA started - also at Beijing plant (China) in 2021

• Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét (Hungary): Decision to locate second all-electric compact SUV EQB. Production launch in 2021 - also at Beijing plant (China)

• Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant: Production launch of electric EQE business sedan in 2021 - at Beijing plant soon thereafter (China)

• Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant (USA): SUV variants EQS und EQE begin in 2022

• Mercedes-Benz battery production network: Production start of battery systems for EQS and EQE in Untertürkheim/Hedelfingen (Germany) imminent. Production of compact SUV battery systems in Kamenz (Germany), Jawor (Poland) and Beijing (China) plants. Tuscaloosa battery plant will produce batteries for SUV variants of EQS and EQE beginning 2022

15 December 2020, Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz is targeting leadership in electric drives and vehicle software. The consistent electrification of the entire product portfolio is a key element of the strategic focus "Ambition 2039" and a prerequisite on the way to CO₂ neutrality. In 2022 the portfolio includes eight all-electric Mercedes-EQ models. The global Mercedes-Benz production network is ready for the company’s electric product offensive and is integrating its Mercedes-EQ models into series production in its existing plants.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG; responsible for Daimler Group Research and COO Mercedes-Benz Cars: “With its ‘Electric First’ strategy, Mercedes-Benz is consistently on the path to CO₂ neutrality and is investing heavily in transformation. Our vehicle portfolio becomes electric and thus also our global production network with vehicle and battery factories. We intend to lead in the field of e-mobility and focus in particular on battery technology. We are taking a comprehensive approach, ranging from research and development to production, and also including strategic cooperation.” 

The EQS, the first electric luxury sedan from Mercedes-Benz, will start in the first half of 2021 in Factory 56 at the Sindelfingen site (Germany). With the production launch of the electric compact SUV EQA at the Rastatt plant (Germany) and the current decision to locate EQB production in the Hungarian plant in Kecskemét, the company is taking further important steps toward making its product portfolio CO₂ neutral. The course has also been set toward “Electric First” in the global powertrain production network as well. High-efficiency battery systems will also be manufactured and assembled within the production network.

Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and Supply Chain: “The Mercedes-Benz production network is global, digital and flexible, and ready for the upcoming electric offensive – thanks, of course, to our highly qualified and motivated employees worldwide. We are now beginning a real Mercedes-EQ fireworks display. Six electric product launches by 2022 underscore the strength and competence of our Mercedes-Benz production sites worldwide. The production network will have a total of six Mercedes-EQ car locations. Local production of highly efficient battery systems plays a central role in the Mercedes-Benz strategy - coupled with a comprehensive sustainability concept that spans the entire life cycle of the battery all the way to recycling.”

Mercedes-Benz vehicle plants consistently implement electric offensive

In May 2019 production of the EQC (combined power consumption: 21.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen (Germany) was integrated into ongoing series production. Just a few months later the German-Chinese production joint venture, Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. (BBAC), launched EQC production for the local market in China. In 2020 production of the EQV premium electric MPV (combined power consumption: 26.4 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km)1  started in Vitoria, northern Spain.

Compact car class customers can look forward to two fully electric compact SUVs in the EQA and EQB in 2021. EQA will celebrate its world premiere on January, 20 2021 as the first fully electric derivative of this compact car. The EQA production launch at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant went smoothly. As with the EQC from Bremen and Beijing and the EQV from Vitoria, which are already on the market, the fully electric models at the Rastatt plant run on the same production line as compact vehicles with conventional and hybrid drives. That means all five vehicles produced in Rastatt are electrified: In addition to the fully electric EQA, the AClass, A-Class sedan, B-Class and the compact SUV GLA are also produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt - with classic combustion engines as well as plug-in hybrid drive. With that the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant is making an important contribution on the road to a CO₂ neutral vehicle fleet and to the Mercedes-Benz AG electric offensive. EQA production will also follow next year (2021) at BBAC in Beijing for the Chinese market.

EQB production will launch in 2021 at two locations in the global Mercedes-Benz Cars production network: in the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét for the world market and in the German-Chinese joint venture BBAC in Beijing for the local market. Plant preparation, including employee training and renovation work, is already underway. The compact SUV EQB will be the first purely electrically powered production vehicle from Hungary and will complement the plug-in hybrid portfolio consisting of the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake. The A-Class will also be produced in Kecskemét with a plug-in hybrid drive, in addition to production in the German Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt.

Furthermore, in the first half of 2021 production of the EQS electric luxury sedan will begin in Factory 56 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen (Germany). EQS is the independent, fully electric member in the new S-Class program and is the first to use the new electric architecture for luxury and upper-class electric vehicles at Mercedes-Benz. In Factory 56 the S-Class and, in the future, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, and the EQS will be produced in a fully flexible manner on the same line. Factory 56 embodies the future of production at Mercedes-Benz and sets new standards for automobile construction. In Factory 56 efficiency gains of around 25 percent are achieved compared to the previous S-Class assembly. This is made possible by optimizing the entire value chain and full digitalization with MO360, the digital Mercedes-Benz production ecosystem. For further information on this: https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/ko/en/47014243 

Furthermore, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen will begin production of the EQE business sedan in the second half of 2021, followed shortly thereafter at the Beijing plant. The EQE thus complements the allelectric portfolio of the two plants. The Beijing plant will then produce a total of four Mercedes-EQ models for the local market.

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa (USA) is also preparing for production of the EQE SUV and EQS SUV in 2022, which will be produced in the future on the same line with SUVs with conventional and plug-in hybrid drives.

In 2022 a total of eight Mercedes-EQ electric vehicles will be produced at seven locations on three continents. This is possible because the company made early investments worldwide in flexibility and technical equipment with future-oriented Industry 4.0 solutions. In the Mercedes-Benz AG plants, vehicles with different drive types can be produced in parallel thanks to highly flexible structures. With a view to the strategic goal of generating more than half of sales with so-called xEVs, i.e. plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, from 2030 on and gradually increasing the purely electric share, the high degree of flexibility is a decisive advantage. It enables production to be adjusted at short notice depending on market demand.

smart rounds off the electric Mercedes-Benz Cars portfolio with three additional models. The smart EQ fortwo (combined power consumption: 16.5 kWh/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km)1 and smart EQ fortwo Cabrio (combined power consumption: 16.8 kWh/100 km, CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km)1 are produced in Hambach, France, and the smart EQ forfour (combined power consumption: 17.3 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km)1 in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. The next generation of smart electric vehicles will be produced by the joint venture smart Automobile Co., Ltd. in China. This is a joint venture of MercedesBenz AG and the Zhejiang Geely Group (Geely Holding).

Plug-in hybrid drive is important as a key technology and intermediate step toward a purely electric product portfolio. More than 20 plug-in hybrid model variants are already an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio. The portfolio will be expanded to include more than 25 model variants by 2025. Their production therefore also plays an important role in the global production network. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are already rolling off Mercedes-Benz Cars assembly lines in almost all car plants.

Global battery production network: a key success factor in the Mercedes-Benz electric offensive

The batteries for the Mercedes-EQ electric vehicles are supplied by a global battery production network with plants on three continents. Local battery production is a key success factor for the Mercedes-Benz electric offensive. 

Two plants in Kamenz (Germany), have been producing battery systems for hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles since 2012. The second battery factory at the site began operations in 2018 and has been producing the EQC's battery systems since 2019. It was designed from the start as a CO₂ neutral plant and combines, among other things, solar energy, geothermal energy and a combined heat and power plant. The battery systems for the EQA have also recently rolled off the production line at the site. Since the start of production at Accumotive, more than a million batteries based on lithium-ion technology for electric, plug-in hybrid vehicles and 48-volt systems have been produced at the Kamenz site. 

Mercedes-Benz and BAIC have jointly set up local battery production at the existing location in the Yizhuang Industrial Park in Beijing (China). This supplies the nearby vehicle plant, which has also added all-electric Mercedes-EQ models to its portfolio with the EQC. Production of battery systems for the EQC started there in 2019. With the start of production of the EQA, EQB and EQE, the plant will manufacture battery systems for a total of four Mercedes-Benz EQ models beginning in 2021.

This year the battery plant in Jawor (Poland) started producing plug-in hybrid batteries for the C, E and SClasses. In the coming year the location will expand its portfolio to include battery systems for the compact Mercedes-EQ models, the EQA and the EQB. Much like the battery plant in Kamenz, the plant was designed from the outset for CO₂ neutral production.

In the future at the Untertürkheim (Germany) site two plants will produce battery systems. Final preparations for the production of the battery systems for the EQS, which will roll off the production line in nearby Sindelfingen in the first half of 2021, are currently underway at the Hedelfingen plant. The battery system for the EQE will also be produced in Hedelfingen. Another battery plant is currently being built in the Brühl facility, which will manufacture battery systems for Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrids starting 2022. The work on the building has already been completed. The battery plant in Brühl will be fitted with the corresponding equipment in the coming months.

Production of the EQS and EQE SUV models will start in 2022 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa (USA). A battery plant is currently being built in the immediate vicinity and will supply highly efficient battery systems for both models. Work on the building has already been completed. The ultra-modern systems will be installed in the coming months.

In addition, the Mercedes-Benz production strategy currently provides for another battery plant at the Sindelfingen site.

Together with local partner Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant (TAAP), Mercedes-Benz Cars set up a battery production facility in Bangkok (Thailand) and began operations in 2019. Battery systems for the current C, E and S-Class plug-in hybrids are manufactured at the site. Preparations are also being made there to manufacture drive batteries for all-electric Mercedes-EQ brand vehicles.

Electric First und Ambition2039: CO₂ neutral mobility und production

Under “Electric First,” Mercedes-Benz is pursuing the consistent electrification of all model variants and vehicle types as a clear objective. The decisive factor here over the next few years is the gradual increase in the purely electric share of the vehicle portfolio. So-called xEVs, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles, should account for more than half of sales by 2030 - and the trend is rising. Electrically powered vehicles from Mercedes-Benz are enjoying increasing popularity. The company delivered a total of 45,000 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids (xEVs) worldwide in the third quarter of 2020.

With “Ambition2039,” Mercedes-Benz introduced its path to CO₂ neutrality over a year ago. Vehicle production plays a crucial role in this regard. As early as 2022 the company’s Mercedes-Benz car and van plants will produce CO₂ neutrally around the world. This includes more than 30 car and van plants, as well as battery plants.

Brief interview

“We’re producing the Mercedes-EQ models the Mercedes way: Completely digital and flexible, highly efficient and maximally sustainable.”

Questions for Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and
Supply Chain

Mr. Burzer, are you equipped for the production of electric vehicles in your production network?

The Mercedes-EQ production network is ready for our electric offensive. We started this transformation several years ago and set up our plants with maximum flexibility. The Mercedes-EQ electric models are gradually being integrated into our existing vehicle plants worldwide. They come off the same lines as vehicles with combustion engines or plug-in hybrid drives. The same applies to all of our Mercedes-Benz car plants - a total of six on three continents. This concept is particularly advantageous because demand for electric and electrified vehicles is developing very differently by region and we can adjust our production planning accordingly on short notice. In this way we can manufacture exactly what our customers want.

What specifically does your production planning for the upcoming model offensive look like?

One thing is certain: the proportion of all-electric vehicles in our portfolio will increase sharply in the coming years. By 2030 more than fifty percent of our vehicles will roll off the assembly line as so-called xEVs. Plug-in hybrids and hybrids will therefore continue to play an important role in our production planning over the next few years. However, our target is clearly designed for 100 percent Mercedes-EQ and we are directing our capacity precisely in this direction. We are preparing our production, as well as our employees, step by step for this change. Our sustainability concept is also a central focus: from 2022 on we will produce CO₂ neutral in our Mercedes-Benz plants worldwide.

What, specifically, were the challenges?

Every vehicle launch during ongoing production comes with challenges. That, of course, also applies to electric vehicles. However, thanks to the know-how in our plants and cross-location system planning, we could quickly develop and implement flexible solutions. The consistent digitalization of our processes through our digital production ecosystem MO360 also made a significant contribution. An important factor here, of course, is attaining targeted qualifications for our colleagues in our plants, which we consistently promote.

How will powertrain production continue in the future?

For the global Mercedes-Benz powertrain production network, the shift toward e-mobility poses a special challenge. However, we are determined to continue aligning our drive division to this change and make it sustainable for the future. We have already built up extensive know-how in our powertrain plants in recent years. It starts with the expansion of our battery production network and includes, among other things, manufacturing and assembling parts of the electric drivetrain ourselves. Still, it’s also clear that the drivetrains of the future will differ significantly from those of today.

You will manufacture the batteries for the Mercedes-EQ models in house?

The local production of batteries is an essential success factor in our electric offensive. With a view to steadily increasing demand and, in accordance with our production planning, we are setting up our global battery production network to be flexible worldwide. Today we already produce batteries in Kamenz, Bangkok and Beijing. The ramp-up of our battery plants in Hedelfingen and Jawor is imminent and our colleagues in Brühl and Tuscaloosa are already preparing to start production in 2022. Our production network is very well positioned for the Mercedes-EQ model offensive.

Which new electric model are you personally most looking forward to?

Basically, I look forward to every new Mercedes-Benz. A very special milestone is certainly the upcoming EQS production launch. It will roll off the assembly line, together with the S-Class, in our new Factory 56 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen. Here we’re setting the course for our entire production network: With the most modern production technologies Factory 56 is a blueprint for our global network. At the same time, it bolsters our claim - the Mercedes way - to the production of the Mercedes-EQ models: completely digital and flexible, highly efficient and maximally sustainable.