The company plans to invest €10 billion (US$12.4 billion) in the expansion of its electrical fleet and an additional €1 billion (US$1.2 billion) in a global battery production network within its worldwide production network. The global battery network currently comprises five battery factories on three continents.

While the start of production of the fortwo Coupé and Cabriolet at the smart plant in Hambach in 2017 already represent the start of the fourth generation of electric vehicles of the brand, the first electric vehicle of the new product and technology brand EQ will roll off the production line at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. (Earlier post.)

In 2018, Daimler will complete the second battery factory in Kamenz and intensify preparations for the EQC at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. Production of the EQC, an all-electric SUV, will start in 2019.

Shortly afterwards, the EQC will also roll off the production line at BBAC, Daimler’s joint venture with BAIC in China. Further locations for EQ models are the Mercedes-Benz plants in Rastatt, Sindelfingen and Tuscaloosa (USA), where the model range is extended to include electric vehicles of the compact, upper and luxury class as well as the SUV segment.

We address every market segment: from the smart fortwo seater, to the large SUV. The battery is the key component of e-mobility. As batteries are the heart of our electric vehicles we put a great emphasis on building them in our own factories. With our global battery network we are in an excellent position: As we are close to our vehicle plants we can ensure the optimal supply of production. In case of a short-term high demand in another part of the world our battery factories are also well prepared for export. The electric initiative of Mercedes-Benz Cars is right on track. Our global production network is ready for e-mobility.

—Markus Schäfer