The German marque has changed its mind about producing only electric vehicles by 2030, which means that ICE-powered cars will remain a part of its future portfolio. In 2021, Mercedes-Benz announced its intention to sell solely electric cars — "where market conditions allow." However, it appears that current market conditions are not to the carmaker's benefit to meet its electrified goals soon. According to the reports, the global market for electric vehicles is developing more slowly than the company expected. As a result of this, the automaker has decided to slow down its EV goals and continue selling ICE and hybrid cars in the future. Instead of 2026 as originally anticipated, Mercedes-Benz expects electrified models, including hybrids, to make up as much as 50% of total sales by 2030.
While sharing its strategic priorities, the German carmaker said, ''Customers and market conditions will set the pace of the transformation. The company plans to be in a position to cater to different customer needs, whether it’s an all-electric drivetrain or an electrified combustion engine, until well into the 2030s.''
Mercedes-Benz India: EV Performance in CY2023
The battery electric vehicle (BEV) models that Mercedes-Benz offers in the nation include the EQB, the EQE 500, and the updated EQS 580. Compared to CY2022, the sales of electric vehicles (EQS, EQB, and EQE) climbed threefold and accounted for less than 700 units or around 4% of total sales. Mercedes-Benz India also had its best-ever second and fourth quarters, and they claimed that 2023 was the "best year ever" in terms of overall sales. In 2024, the German company will launch approximately 12 new models countrywide, three of which will be electric vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz: What’s In Hold for EVs?
Mercedes-Benz’s decision to delay its EV goals isn't very shocking. American carmakers Ford and GM also lately decided to postpone their shift to electric vehicles. The adoption of EVs in the nation isn't progressing as swiftly as expected, thereby making automakers rethink their electrified targets. Mercedes-Benz, however, is still upbeat about its next generation of EVs. It said that the new MMA platform will support base EVs like the electric CLA, and boast a WLTP range of roughly 750 kilometres.
In line with its electrified strategy, the carmaker unveiled the EQG electric SUV concept in India this January. With the exception of a few EQ styling cues, the electric concept's design is based on the G-Class SUV.
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