This year and probably the beginning of the next one, Tesla will have no competition in the market for all electric vehicles.
But that is about to change, as Mercedes-Benz is the latest manufacturer to announce that the company is working on an electric vehicle that will rival both the Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model X.
In the latest interview, the chief of development in Mercedes, Thomas Webber announced the news. According to Webber, Mercedes will work on an electric vehicle that will offer an incredible range of up to 311 miles. At the moment, the Tesla Model S and the upcoming Model X offer up to 250 miles range. Audi has an electric vehicle in its sleeve that will offer up to 350 miles as well.
And the first model will be only the beginning. Thomas said that the first model will serve as a platform for future electric powertrains. Some experts believe that Mercedes will design one model to rival the Tesla Model X, and another vehicle, a crossover, to rival the Model X. Audi will showcase its e-tron SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show and other German and European manufacturers are quick to enter the market.
Mercedes is no slouch in the world of electric vehicles. The German company has been in the industry of electric cars for more than several decades. Mercedes built its first all-electric vehicle back in 1906. At the moment, the German car manufacturer has two subsidiaries that are developing batteries. One of the subsidiaries already has a battery similar to the one that Tesla uses for its Model S and Model X. If you factor in the brand’s popularity and recognizability, Mercedes has all the tools to be the leader in the all-electric vehicles market as soon as the company releases its first model.
The only question remaining to be answered is “when”. The last time Mercedes showed an all-electric concept vehicle was during the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Back then, Mercedes showed the SLS AMG Electric drive, but production of the car was limited to just four vehicles. This time around, Mercedes is aiming for mass production. Expect new details for the upcoming electric vehicle by Mercedes at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
