Daimler Whips Out A Huge Wad A Cash And Announces Plans To Dominate The EV Market By 2022

We reported just last week that Daimler was among the most ambitious legacy automakers when it comes to the electrification of their vehicle lineup with plans for 10 new all-electric models and 15 to 25% of all their production being electric by 2025.

At Daimler’s Annual Shareholder‘s Meeting in Berlin today, the company announced an acceleration of those plans. They are now aiming to get those new electric vehicles in production by 2022 – 3 years sooner than previously announced.

TheSteve - 3/29/2017 2:26:56 PM

+3 Boost

Personally, I believe it would be much more valuable (for humanity) is someone created a viable and affordable EV for the masses[1], rather than just for the people who can afford a Mercedes. We're all heading in the EV direction. It's just that some of us will arrive sooner than others.

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[1] No range anxiety, no quirky styling, respectably short recharge time, same or lower purchase price compared to ICE, lower maintenance and operating costs than ICE, etc.

Dexter1 - 3/29/2017 7:51:17 PM

+1 Boost

And we all know that huge wad of cash comes from our pockets.

MDarringer - 3/29/2017 8:13:04 PM

+2 Boost

EVs should remain the follies of the rich given that they are years away from being viable as full-replacement for ICE vehicles. Until EVs can be charged as fast as filling a gas tank and command no price premium over an ICE vehicle, they will remain the 2nd car for people who want to be trendy.

Holydude - 3/30/2017 12:35:24 AM

0 Boost

I predict that Matt will be driving an electric Lexus in 5 years.

MDarringer - 3/30/2017 8:35:10 AM

+1 Boost

I can afford a Tesla now, but the problem with a Tesla is that it cannot do what my company car can do. I am unwilling to put up with a car that is sidelined for hours charging.

EV engineers are getting the goal wrong. They are going for range when they should be engineering for speed of the recharge. I can refuel the Conti in 5 minutes. If a Tesla could go from near "empty" to fully charged, then it would be worth considering.

rockreid - 3/30/2017 9:04:54 AM

+2 Boost

....and still to this day, no mention of actual street price from Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, or BMW regarding their EV's... expect to get hit on the side of the head with a large German hammer when they do. These companies currently do not manufacture their own batteries like Tesla does. And at least one manufacturer has stated they will not sell an EV if it is not priced to be profitable. Expect a eye-shattering sticker price when finally released.

malba2367 - 3/30/2017 4:30:42 PM

+4 Boost

This should be a wake up call to anyone who does not believe EVs are the future and that the future is coming very soon. The company that basically invented the gasoline powered motorcar is making a huge bet on electric vehicles.