Daimler pushes switch to electric with €20B worth of battery cells

Daimler has taken the next step towards securing its CASE corporate strategy, which stands for the fields of networking (Connected), autonomous driving (Autonomous), flexible use (Shared & Services) and electric drive systems (Electric), with the purchase of €20 billion worth of battery cells.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “Our electric offensive continues to gain momentum. After investing billions of euros in the development of the electric fleet and the expansion of our global battery network, we are now taking the next step. With the purchase of battery cells for more than €20 billion, we are systematically pushing forward with the transformation into the electric future of our company. We plan a total of 130 electrified variants at Mercedes-Benz Cars by 2022. In addition, we will have electric vans, buses and trucks.”

The suppliers are already producing battery cells in Asia and Europe and are continuing to expand in Europe and additionally in the USA.

Daimler is investing more than €1 billion in a global battery production network within the worldwide production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars. The company purchases the cells on the world market. This ensures the best possible technology and focuses on the core competence of battery assembly.

“With extensive orders for battery cells until the year 2030, we set another important milestone for the electrification of our future electric vehicles of the EQ product and technology brand. In this way, together with our partners, we ensure the supply of our global battery production network today and in the future using the latest technologies,” said Wilko Stark, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Procurement and Supplier Quality.

The global battery production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars will consist of eight factories on three continents. The local production of batteries is an important success factor in Mercedes-Benz Cars’ electric offensive and is decisive for meeting the global demand for electric vehicles flexibly and efficiently.

By 2022, the entire Mercedes portfolio is to be electrified, with various electrified alternatives available in every segment, from the smart to the SUVs. In total, there will be over 130 variants, from the 48-volt electrical system to EQ Boost and plug-in hybrids and more than 10 all-electric vehicles powered by batteries or fuel cells. By 2025, sales of battery-electric vehicles are to increase to 15-25 per cent of total unit sales – depending on individual customer preferences and the development of the public infrastructure.

About Daimler

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