The Cutting Edge

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Daimler board member Thomas Weber who oversees the company’s R&D activities detailed the carmakers plans to roll out a fleet of battery electric vehicles. By 2025, the company will offer more than ten battery electric models in its product spectrum, Weber said, adding that in parallel the company plans to expand its plug-in hybrid model line and push the introduction of 48V systems.

During the recent Paris motor show, Daimler announced its future electromobility brand, labeled EQ. The brand will embrace a comprehensive ecosystem of products, services, and technologies. A first series model with a driving range of up to 500 km is scheduled to hit the roads before the end of the decade.

The new production line in Kamenz will start series production in mid-2018. It will manufacture lithium ion traction batteries for all electrified vehicles for the Daimler brands Mercedes-Benz and Smart as well as 48V batteries and batteries for stationary energy storage facilities (though it also can be expected that used traction batteries will also fed into this business).