Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will discontinue the B-Class Electric Drive by the end of this year due to sluggish sales. According to reports from Automotive News, the company is realigning its strategy to concentrate on its EQ sub-brand of electric vehicles, which is still in the development stage. While petrol and diesel versions of the B-Class will continue to be produced, they will not be available in the U.S. market.
Many consumers may be unaware that Mercedes-Benz even offered an electric car, as only 3,651 units of the B-Class Electric Drive have been sold since its launch in late 2013. Although it was technically available across the country, not all dealerships stocked the vehicle.
Rob Moran, a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz USA, stated in an email to Automotive News that the company is prioritizing its efforts on the future of mobility, which includes advancements in connectivity, autonomous driving, car-sharing, and electric drive systems. He added that the company is gradually electrifying its portfolio and assessing the production of a new generation of electric vehicles at its various manufacturing locations.
The EQ sub-brand is a significant aspect of Daimler AG’s $11 billion investment in electric vehicles. The company aims to introduce ten electric vehicles by 2022, with several models representing the EQ brand. A crossover concept was showcased at the Paris Motor Show last year, and Mercedes-Benz is expected to unveil a more production-ready version along with additional models in the future. The company’s EQ branding stands for "Electric Intelligence," although the exact reasoning behind the name remains somewhat unclear.
As Mercedes-Benz moves forward, it underscores its commitment to an electric future.
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