Mercedes-Benz presses fast-forward on switch to EVs

Mercedes-Benz has radically tweaked its product plans in a bid to speed up the introduction of pure-electric vehicles.

According to Germany's Manager Magazin, the move to embrace full electrification at a higher rate than previously planned will also see combustion powertrains phased out faster than previously envisaged.

According to insiders speaking to the monthly business paper, the shake-up within Mercedes-Benz will see pure-electric models originally planned for a launch date of 2024 or 2025 introduced at least a year earlier, while the equivalent combustion-powered vehicles will be dropped from the range altogether.

Daimler has not commented on the new report, but CEO Ola Källenius is tipped to announce the new ambitious plans to embrace electrification earlier before the European summer break next month.

Helping pave the way for rolling out EVs earlier, it's already been reported that Benz will axe slower-selling coupe and convertible models from its range and halt development of their replacements to enable it to refocus its resources on next-gen electric cars.

Recently there were reports Audi was also speeding up the development of pure-electric powertrains to introduce them at an earlier date, while BMW has announced it remains committed to the internal combustion engine for at least 30 more years.

It's thought forcing Mercedes-Benz and Audi to fast-forward their plans to phase out combustion power and ramp up the delivery of electric vehicles is the upcoming EU 7 emissions legislation that will make small petrol and diesel vehicles unfeasible on costs grounds.

Future sales bans of petrol and diesels in some European markets have also played a role.