We have been hearing rumors that Mercedes-Benz would create a sub-brand for electric vehicles to rival BMW's i division. Based on trademark applications, the brand could be called MEQ, and produce four models by 2020. This sub-brand is still not officially confirmed, but further rumors indicate that the Daimler group has a total of six electric vehicles in the works. Sources from Automobilwoche, say that Mercedes has trademarked EQ as well as phrases like EQ boost and EQ Inside.

The rumors indicate that six new EV models will be released for the Daimler lineup between 2018-2024. We have already heard that Mercedes is working on two sedans and two SUVs, the other two vehicles could be electric Smart models. Porsche and Audi are both working on EV models, and BMW already has its own electric sub-division. Mercedes seems to have the right idea by creating its own sub-brand. We can expect to see the first of these electric Mercedes models at the Paris Motor Show with a GLC-based EV with a 500 km range. Daimler development chief Thomas Weber says that he wants to sell a double-digit number of EVs by 2020.