It's no secret that Mercedes is preparing to unleash an onslaught of EVs to take on Tesla. Now, Daimler has taken a significant step towards its electrification strategy by ordering more than €20 billion ($23 billion) worth of battery cells by 2030.
The company didn't reveal the suppliers they would use, but dealers have already been signed for battery cells with SK Innovation, LG Chem and CATL. Daimler also said the company is already investing over one billion euros ($1.14 billion) for a global battery production network that will eventually consist of eight factories on three continents.
"With the purchase of battery cells for more than 20 billion euros, we are systematically pushing forward with the transformation into the electric future of our company," said Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler. "We plan a total of 130 electrified variants at Mercedes-Benz Cars by 2022. In addition, we will have electric vans, buses and trucks."
The first factory in Kamenz is already producing battery packs, while the second will start production in early 2019. Mercedes' parent company will build an additional two factories in Stuttgart, while the rest of them will be located in Beijing , Bangkok and Tuscaloosa.
By 2022, Mercedes plans to offer electrified versions of its entire range in every segment, from Smart city cars to full-size SUVs. The 130 electrified variants will range from mild-hybrid 48-volt EQ Boost cars and plug-in hybrids to more than 10 pure electric vehicles, powered either by battery packs or fuel cells. Production of Mercedes' first fully electric vehicle, the EQC, will begin in 2019 when it will arrive with a range of over 200 miles and 402 horsepower.