Mercedes-Benz Focuses on Plug-in Hybrids

There are plenty more plug-in hybrids coming from Mercedes-Benz.

Rather than focusing on full electric vehicles, the German automaker will be building its future vehicle strategy around plug-in hybrids for the rest of the decade. The company’s Rear-wheel Architecture (MRA) is designed to accommodate plug-in hybrid technology, and though the Tesla-powered B-Class Electric Drive is on the market, Mercedes isn’t entirely convinced that there is sufficient demand for EVs.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive Pricing Announced

“We believe that for C-class upwards, the only way to go as we near 2020 and beyond is plug-in hybrid electric vehicles,” said Mercedes-Benz’s head of development, Thomas Weber. “We will have a plug-in S-class in September, and later in the life cycle of the C-class we will have one too. MRA will make it possible for us to go for plug-in hybrids across the range.”

Despite competitor BMW putting a clear focus with its i sub-brand on electrified vehicles, Mercedes-Benz will continue to focus on PHEV technology for the time being. In addition, the company believes the market for electric vehicles based on fuel cells will also grow.

GALLERY: 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

[Source: Autocar]

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