Daimler Prepares To Take Tesla Head-On

Mercedes GLC F-Cell (Credit: Mercedes-Benz)

Daimler must think the time is ripe for launching several new all-electric models. Reuters says the Germany automaker will unleash at least six new EVs, but could go for as many as nine.

Tesla fanboys and automotive industry critics have lambasted traditional automakers like Daimler for not pouring more resources into electric vehicles. What many fail to understand is that investors and other stakeholders in those companies would never put up with what Tesla investors take in stride. The California automaker is once again looking to raise more money, while still not running a profitable business.

Some sort of change must be on the horizon to get Daimler to move like this. Don’t expect to see six new Mercedes, Maybach, Sprinter and Smart EVs by next year. Supposedly, the new models will arrive between 2018 and 2024.

We should see a Mercedes EV concept in Paris this month. Just how close to a production model it will be is the big question. Green Car Reports says it has information that four of the new all-electrics will be Mercedes, with two sedans and two SUVs.

Instead of putting all of its eggs in one basket, Daimler is hedging its bets with the GLC F-Cell. The hydrogen fuel-cell crossover is set to launch in 2017.