Tesla Motors has long been regarded as the pioneer of electric automobiles and EV-specialized car parts. As more people take interest in reducing their carbon footprint and saving on fuel costs, the demand for green cars and technology has increased tremendously, helping improve EV sales for other luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Porsche. That recent market growth has motivated German automakers to design their own electric-powered cars and manufacture their own EV-specialized auto parts.
You’ve likely heard about plenty of other premium automakers unveiling EV concept cars and perhaps even some that have already hit the showroom floors. Well, now it’s Mercedes’ turn. Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to launch an entire line of electric cars, trucks and SUVs – all equipped with proprietary Mercedes EV parts – with the goal to outdo Tesla Motors by leaps and bounds.
Set to release one of the first electric trucks, it is safe to say the “world’s oldest automaker” is ready to take the competition by storm.
Here’s What We Know
The news about Mercedes-Benz’s electric car program has been brewing for a while. Since 2014, Mercedes has been working on developing this new line of premium electric vehicles, hoping to give Tesla a run for their money. The German automaker plans to start out with four models- two sedans and two SUVs. The goal is to give these cars a unique look from other Mercedes models while still emphasizing luxury, class and performance.
The first of the new electric cars should be unveiled at the Paris Motor going on now. News has it that there will be the mid-sized SUV and quite possibly even a larger SUV, in addition to the two sedans. The new Mercedes EVs are slated to hit the auto market sometime between 2018 and 2020.
So How Might Mercedes Measure Up to Tesla’s Electric Cars?
Mercedes needs to come up with technology that surpasses Tesla, but not give up its existing automotive advantages. While there certainly cannot be a concrete comparison until the cars have been seen, here’s an idea of how the German automaker could outperform the competition, especially Tesla:
· A charging system that charges the vehicle faster than Tesla’s current technology.
· As an existing pioneer in the luxury automobile market, Mercedes will likely have an advantage when it comes to designing the interior parts of their electric cars. A stunning interior complete with sophisticated finishes, intricate details, well-thought out conveniences and typical Mercedes accessories, will almost surely put these new models on top.
· Just because it has an electric motor, doesn’t mean drivers don’t care about the performance they’ve come to expect from high end Mercedes parts such as suspension and brakes. Mercedes needs to emphasize the same quality and reliability commonly known of their brand.
– In addition to luxury and quality advantages, Mercedes needs to leverage their existing automobile and auto parts distribution. With thousands of new car dealerships and numerous genuine and aftermarket Mercedes parts retailers online and nationwide, using the right distribution strategy Mercedes could catch Tesla in a blink by ensuring all the new automobiles and EV parts made more widely and readily available for car owners and mechanics alike.
Attracting a New Market
With a historical household name and reputation in the EV market like Mercedes Benz, there will almost certainly come with them a demographic that other EV manufacturers have been unsuccessful in luring – the luxury car buyers. Those who may not have been interested in purchasing an electric car before because of their size or “less luxurious” craftsmanship, may now be more inclined to consider an EV luxury coupe, sedan or SUV. Essentially, this new line of green automobiles may be what takes Mercedes to even greater heights.
