The electric vehicle era is beginning, and might just lead to the combustion engine’s complete extinction.
In an effort to phase out vehicles running on fossil fuels, Mercedes-Benz (MB) officials announced that they would offer an electric or hybrid option for every MB model on the market.
By 2022, Mercedes-Benz officials plan to have at least 50 new electric models, with a mix of hybrid and fully-electric options.
The effort should not be a surprise, as carmakers worldwide are clamoring for an opportunity to produce a mass-market electric vehicle. Last year, some 40,000 EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were sold worldwide, according to Forbes.
This trend should only increase, especially after China’s announcement that it may ban fossil fuel-powered vehicles altogether. This could have a significant impact upon the global automobile industry, as China accounted for over 28 million car sales in 2016 alone.
This announcement brings Mercedes-Benz into a group of prominent automobile manufacturers who have also sworn to bring EVs to the forefront of sales. From 2019 to 2021, Volvo officials aim to produce a five-car lineup of fully electric-powered vehicles. In addition, officials with Ford’s Lincoln luxury marque named 2022 as the deadline for their line of EVs.
Mercedes also revealed details on the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL SUV at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, which will feature brand new EV technology.
“Our many years of experience with fuel-cell technology pay dividends in the new GLC F-CELL: its long electric range, short refueling times and everyday practicality of an SUV will make it the perfect vehicle,” said Ola Källenius, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “This is made possible by the compact construction of our fuel-cell system. Another genuine world first is the combination with a large additional lithium-ion battery, which can be conveniently charged using plug-in technology.”
