Mercedes-Benz stalls 2030 all-electric goal, will now continue making gas-powered cars

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Image: Mercedes-Benz

 

The automotive industry is currently witnessing a significant shift in Mercedes-Benz’s electrification strategy. The luxury automaker, which had previously announced plans to go all-electric by 2030, has now revised its strategy due to weak demand for electric vehicles (EVs).

 

Mercedes-Benz’s initial plan was ambitious, aiming to sell only battery EVs from 2030, at least in countries with the infrastructure to support that. However, the company’s annual results for 2023 revealed a lack of confidence in any region being ready for EVs-only sales by that date.

 

The revised strategy now expects electrified vehicles, including hybrids, to represent 50% of total sales in 2030. This is a drastic reduction from the 100% commitment made in 2021. The decision to slow down the transition came after the automaker’s net profits slipped 21% in Q4.

 

Despite the setback, Mercedes-Benz says it remains committed to the EV market. The automaker expects its next-gen EVs to make a big impact, with a roughly 30% cost reduction. Furthermore, entry-level EVs based on its upcoming MMA, like the electric CLA, are expected to have around 466 mi (750 km) WLTP range.

 

This strategic shift by Mercedes-Benz raises an intriguing question: Is the world ready for a complete transition to electric vehicles? What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe that the demand for EVs will pick up in the near future, or will gas-powered vehicles continue to dominate the market? Share your views in the comments below.

 

 

Read more:

• https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/mercedes-benz-hits-cars-returns-forecast-inflation-supply-chain-costs-bite-2024-02-22/
• https://www.businessinsider.com/mercedes-benz-ev-2030-electric-car-market-trends-2024-2
• https://electrek.co/2024/02/22/mercedes-backtracks-ev-plans-gas-cars-2030s/