Mercedes boosts funding for hybrids amid electric transition
Mercedes is investing more money in internal combustion engines and plug-in hybrids. These are expected to be the driving force during the complex period of electric vehicle adoption.
8:12 AM EDT, July 23, 2024
The German automaker plans to spend up to 15 billion dollars more on combustion technology development than initially planned. This involves investments in factories and technological advancements. All of this is to ensure that hybrid drive systems can stay relevant into the next decade. Mercedes' combustion engine business would face significant problems without these decisions within three years.
The current Class A, B, and CLA generations will remain on the market longer. While official information has yet to be announced, plug-in versions will likely receive cells with a capacity of 13 kWh. This is expected to provide a catalog range of about 55 miles. The range might be closer to 43 miles, but even so, it is sufficient for city driving.
The electric EQA and EQB are also awaiting changes, specifically installing more giant cells with a capacity of 70.5 kWh.
Interestingly, while the top Mercedes C-Class (AMG C63) uses a four-cylinder, 2-liter internal combustion engine, the coupe version, named CLE, is expected to return to a V8 engine. As you can see, Mercedes is trying to cover all bases.
