The massive 2030 target date for an entire EV sale for Mercedes-Benz is not happening, as the company cannot commit to a "100 percent" electrification of its models and brands come the next decade. There are also doubts that the transportation industry, especially the private market, can transition into a fully electric setup come the next decade, contrary to deadlines and expectations.
Reports are now centering on the low EV sales recorded in the past year, believing that this trend would continue for this year, seeing lower adoption rates compared to before.
Mercedes-Benz Will NOT Offer 100% EVs by 2030
(Photo : Mercedes-Benz USA)
In the latest report from Mercedes-Benz, the company brought significant changes to its initial claims of a supposed 2030 100 percent electric implementation on its brand. Here, they said that while EVs and the entire electrification effort would be a significant focus for them, there would still be other models available that are not entirely clean energy.
Customers and market conditions will set the pace of the transformation. The company plans to be in a position to cater to different customer needs, whether it's an all-electric drivetrain or an electrified combustion engine, until well into the 2030s.
Mercedes-Benz
This hints that in 2030, Mercedes-Benz will still offer ICE cars or hybrid models.
CEO Ola Källenius also said, "It's not going to be 100% in 2030, obviously... from the whole European market, but probably from the Mercedes side as well."
Low EV Sales, Factors Against 2030 Electrification
The Verge explained that Elon Musk previously gave a warning that 2024 would see slow sales growth for electric vehicles, also relating to lower adoption rates amongst the public.
There are also other factors like sourcing battery elements and parts for the car, including the processors that would be used for its various factors that are facing challenges now.
Mercedes-Benz and Its Electrification Efforts
"Old habits die hard" represents the current transportation industry hardwired to the internal combustion engine (ICE) setup for many decades now, and this is not only because there are still multiple people who prefer fuel-powered engines. Mercedes-Benz is among the many car companies who adopted electric vehicles now, looking to enhance its EV motor factory for more production capabilities.
There are various models now available from one of the top luxury car companies hailing from Germany, including the EQB, EQE, EQS, the eSprinter van, and more.
Despite the interest in electric vehicle adoption, it is still facing a difficult time now, especially in the current market where there is a divide among the consumers, alongside uncertainty from the market.
Companies like Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, GM, and Ford are all expecting a not-so-great year for electric vehicles, and it is unknown if this trend will continue in the future for EV adoption. The latest take on Mercedes-Benz on the whole EV ordeal is going back on its 2030 electrification plans, with the company looking to still offer gas-powered cars despite their previous claims.
