Mercedes-Benz scraps new EV platform after slow sales – report

news7g2 weeks ago

0 1 minute read

Mercedes-Benz scraps new EV platform after slow sales - report

Mercedes-Benz recently softened its electric vehicle (EV) offering sales targetand now they’ve reportedly canceled one of their next-generation EV platforms.

German publications Handelsblatt reports the MB.EA Large platform – set to consolidate alternatives to the current platform EQE, SUV EQE, EQS And SUV EQS – were removed.

It is said to launch in 2028.

Mercedes-Benz is said to continue developing the related MB.EA Medium platform, which will underpin the upcoming platform EQC and EQC SUVs.

Four insiders talk about why MB.EA Large was eliminated Handelsblatt This decision was made due to poor sales of existing models on the Electric Vehicle Architecture, including the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS and the current EQS SUV.

Mercedes-Benz is said to update this existing architecture for the next generation models, adopting an 800V electric architecture, more efficient electric motors, and new battery technology.

By eliminating MB.EA Large, Mercedes-Benz will save between 4 billion euros and 6 billion euros (about $6.51 billion to $9.77 billion) in development and production upgrade costs.

Mercedes-Benz is said to be sticking to its plans to develop other next-generation EV platforms, including MB.AMG for sports cars and MB.VAN for commercial vehicles, which are expected to launch respectively. in 2025 and 2026.

The company also plans to launch a series of so-called Entry Luxury models on the new MMA platform, designed to support both combustion and electric powertrains.

Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz announced it was delaying its goal of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounting for 50% of global vehicle sales from 2025 to 2030.

Mercedes-Benz will continue to launch and produce both petrol and diesel vehicles alongside electric vehicles for the foreseeable future, having reportedly delayed plans made in 2021 to launch an electric-only platform from 2025. It is unclear when this deadline will move forward.

The brand had previously announced its intention to go fully electric by 2030, but only in markets that supported the move without announcing specific areas where it planned to phase out electric vehicles. gasoline and diesel.