Mercedes-Benz is in the process of building out hubs for the production of EVs and batteries around the globe, and plans to build its EVs in six plants on three continents.

By 2022, Daimler plans to have at least one electrified option in all Mercedes model series. The company will offer more than 50 electrified vehicle variants in all segments, from smart cars to large SUVs, including at least 10 fully electric models.

The company plans to invest €10 billion ($12.4 billion) in the expansion of its electrified fleet and an additional €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in a global battery production network.

The smart fortwo Coupé and Cabriolet are already being produced at the company’s plant in Hambach, France. In 2018, Daimler will complete a second battery factory in Kamenz, Germany. The first EV of the new EQ sub-brand will be built at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. Production of the EQC, an all-electric SUV, will start in 2019. Shortly afterwards, the EQC will also be produced at BBAC, Daimler’s joint venture with BAIC in China. Further locations for EQ model production will be at Rastatt and Sindelfingen in Germany and Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

“As batteries are the heart of our electric vehicles we put a great emphasis on building them in our own factories,” said Mercedes-Benz Board Member Markus Schäfer. “With our global battery network we are in an excellent position: As we are close to our vehicle plants we can ensure the optimal supply of production. In case of a short-term high demand in another part of the world our battery factories are also well prepared for export. The electric initiative of Mercedes-Benz Cars is right on track. Our global production network is ready for e-mobility.”

Source: Daimler