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Mercedes-Benz has confirmed its plans to develop an electric vehicle to compete with Tesla.
Speaking to Automotive News at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Daimler AG board member in charge of group research and Mercedes-Benz car development Thomas Weber, confirmed the German automaker will begin selling an electric vehicle with a range of 250 to 310 miles within a few years, possibly in 2018. Weber added that the new model won’t be designed to compete with its existing EV offerings that include the Smart ForTwo, Mercedes B-Class and Mercedes-AMG SLS. “It’s something different,” he said. “It’s unique; it’s emotional. Wait and see.”
SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA Transforms for Better Aerodynamics
Expect the new Mercedes EV to be larger in size compared to current models in the German automaker’s lineup so that it can accommodate the battery pack necessary for a 250- to 310-mile range. The company is currently showcasing the Concept IAA at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, giving a glimpse into its developments on aerodynamics. The Concept IAA will likely play a major influence to the EV’s design, considering how important aerodynamics are in helping maximize driving range.
Several luxury automakers, particularly in Germany, are developing EVs to compete with Tesla’s Model S and the upcoming Model X. At the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi previewed its Model X fighter with the e-tron quattro concept, while Porsche debuted its future Model S fighter with the Mission E concept.
[Source: Automotive News]
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