BMW and Mercedes have debuted their latest electric vehicle (EV) concepts, showcasing their commitment to competing with Tesla and rising Chinese EV manufacturers. At the IAA auto show, Mercedes unveiled the Concept CLA Class, boasting a range of 750 km and rapid charging capabilities. Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius described it as a “revolutionary development” with unmatched efficiency and range in its class. The company also focused on the interior and user experience, featuring an integrated giant screen across the dashboard and compatibility with third-party apps.
BMW showcased the Vision Neue Klasse, a sleek electric concept car that will be the first of a range of BMW EVs to use a new platform. With a focus on design innovation, BMW plans to enter production in 2025. CEO Oliver Zipse hopes to double EV sales in 2023, with the aim of EVs contributing 15% of total global sales by year-end.
German automakers are confident in their competitive edge and technological advancements, despite strong competition from Chinese EV manufacturers. Zipse emphasized that global players showcasing their innovations in Munich, such as the Chinese, demonstrate the attractiveness and importance of the industry.
These new EV concepts from BMW and Mercedes represent a shift in strategy, as they now develop dedicated EV platforms instead of adapting combustion engines or hybrid models. This move will make their EV models more competitive with major players such as Tesla and Chinese companies like BYD. However, the true capabilities of these concept cars have yet to be seen in practice.
Source: OilPrice.com
Definitions:
– EV: Electric Vehicle
– IAA: International Motor Show Germany
– BYD: A Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer
Source: OilPrice.com