It looks like the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class will come to the United States after all – or at least one of the models in the lineup will.
An unnamed inside source at Mercedes-Benz’s parent company Daimler AG told German publication Automobilwoche that an electric version of the compact MPV will go on sale in America from 2014.
The company insider said that the B-Class EV will make use of battery packs, an electric motor and other components sourced from Tesla Motors, which had also supplied the electric powertrain for the second generation Smart ForTwo EV.
According to the source, Mercedes initially planned to offer a hybrid version of the B-Class with an internal combustion engine acting as a range-extender but decided that a pure-electric model would make more sense.
“Zero-emission vehicles receive more favorable classifications and higher incentives than vehicles with a range extender,” the insider told the publication. “This is especially an issue in the U.S.”
The EV version of the second generation B-Class has not been revealed yet, but you can get a taste of what it will look like in the photo gallery of the regular petrol- and diesel-powered models that follows below.
Story References: Autonews
PHOTO GALLERY
