Mercedes-Benz bins new EV platform after slow sales - report

Mercedes-Benz recently softened its electric vehicle (EV) sales goals, and now it has reportedly cancelled one of its next-generation EV platforms.

German publication Handelsblatt reports the MB.EA Large platform – set to underpin replacements for the current EQE, EQE SUV, EQS and EQS SUV – has been scrapped.

It was reportedly set to debut in 2028.

Mercedes-Benz will reportedly continue development of the related MB.EA Medium platform, which will underpin the upcoming EQC and EQC SUV.

As to why MB.EA Large got the axe, four insiders told Handelsblatt the decision was made due to poor sales of existing models on the Electric Vehicle Architecture, which comprise the current EQE, EQE SUV, EQS and EQS SUV.

Mercedes-Benz will reportedly update this existing architecture for next-generation models, adopting an 800V electrical architecture, more efficient electric motors and new battery cell technology.

By scrapping MB.EA Large, Mercedes-Benz will reportedly save between €4 billion and €6 billion (approximately $6.51bn to $9.77bn) in development costs and production upgrades.

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly sticking with its plans to develop other next-generation EV platforms, including MB.AMG for sports cars and MB.VAN for commercial vehicles, reportedly due in 2025 and 2026 respectively.

The company also plans to roll out a range of so-called Entry Luxury models on the new MMA platform, which has been designed to support both combustion and electric powertrains.

Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz announced it was delaying its target for EVs and plug-in hybrids to account for 50 per cent of its global vehicle sales from 2025 to 2030.

Mercedes-Benz will continue to launch and produce both petrol and diesel-powered vehicles alongside EVs for the foreseeable future, reportedly delaying plans made in 2021 to only roll out electric platforms from 2025. It’s unclear when this cutoff will move to.

The brand had previously announced its intention to go fully electric by 2030, but only in markets which supported the move, without announcing specific regions where it planned to phase out petrol and diesel cars.

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