Mercedes will introduce three new electric platforms from 2025 in order to only have fully electric models on offer by the end of 2030. The carmaker announced this as part of the "Strategy Update: Electric Drive" 2021. Now there are more details.
Between 2022 and 2030, Mercedes is investing more than 40 billion euros in battery electric vehicles (BEV). From 2022 there should be BEV versions in all vehicle segments in order to then accelerate the transformation from "Electric first " to " Electric only ". For this purpose, Mercedes is launching three new, purely electric platforms. They ensure that the customer can choose a fully electric alternative for every Mercedes model.
The three new architectures are:
Mercedes will be using the MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) as an additional platform from 2024. This basis is suitable for vehicles up to C-Class format and should also enable large ranges. However, the MMA platform can, at least in theory, accommodate combustion engines. This is important because the electric promise by 2030 includes an addition: In markets that are not yet that advanced in terms of electrification, the Group will continue to offer vehicles with combustion engines beyond 2030. The MMA will roll off the line in Rastatt and in Kecskemét.
Axial flux motors for AMG
In order to be able to successfully implement the electric roadmap, Mercedes is focusing on developing and manufacturing drive technologies in-house. For this purpose, the Stuttgart company takes over the British specialist for electric motors "Yasa" . With the takeover, Mercedes secures know-how in the field of axial flux motors . These engines, primarily for AMG models, are characterized by smooth running, small installation space, low heat generation and very high torque. In addition to the company's own electric motors, the further development of the electric drive train (eATS) including the electric motor, transmission parts and power electronics for the eATS 2.0 plays a decisive role in the economic efficiency of the electric transformation. From 2024, Mercedes will be manufacturing the powertrain at the Untertürkheim plant. Furthermore, it will also be used in the MB.EA from 2025 and will also introduce the 800-volt technology there.
Solid state battery in planning
Together with partners, Mercedes wants to cover its need for more than 200 GWh of battery capacity via eight gigafactories worldwide. To do this, standardized batteries must be suitable for more than 90 percent of all Mercedes cars and vans. Together with Sila-Nano (specialist for battery material) they are also working on the next generation of batteries with the aim of increasing the energy density through a higher proportion of silicon at the anode. This enables longer ranges and shorter charging times. The solid-state battery is also anchored in the strategic planning.
Together with "Grob", the German world market leader for battery production and automation systems, battery modules and packs are assembled. In addition, the Stuttgart-based company is planning to build a recycling factory for batteries in Kuppenheim, Baden, and is securing recycling capacities. The start is planned for 2023 depending on the approval of the authorities.
Conclusion
Mercedes is taking a big step towards electromobility and is concretizing its e-timetable. From 2025, the Stuttgart-based company will be launching three new purely electric platforms for medium-sized and large vehicles, AMG models and vans. From 2025 Mercedes customers should be able to choose from a fully electric alternative for each model, by s the end of the decade "the brand with the star wants to be ready to go fully electric - wherever the market conditions allow". With that, the Swabians would exceed the requirements of the EU: It recently announced the year 2035 as the date for a virtual ban on combustion engines .
