Mercedes is renowned for producing great V8 and V12 engines, but their time is apparently running out.
According to Automobilwoche, the company is speeding up their switch to electric vehicles and this means internal combustion engines will largely be eliminated by the end of the decade.
Specifics are lacking, but every single model line is set to offer an electric variant. Furthermore, plug-in hybrids will be eliminated as the company will focus their efforts on pure electric vehicles.
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While some automakers have set firm dates to go EV-only, Mercedes reportedly isn’t ready to commit to a specific timeline. Instead, the company believes there will still be demand for internal combustion engines after 2030 in markets that lack a robust charging infrastructure.
Mercedes isn’t alone in this thinking as Audi is taking a similar approach. Last month, the automaker revealed plans to phase out internal combustion engines by 2033, but noted the “combustion engine’s discontinuation … will ultimately be decided by customers and legislation.” The company added they expect to see continued demand for internal combustion engines in China beyond 2033, so some ICE models may be manufactured locally after that date.
The publication said Mercedes could officially announce the move on July 22nd, but the company declined to comment to Automotive News Europe. Regardless, the automaker is expected to make a series of announcements at a strategy event and these are said to include details about new platforms as well as the development of a new operating system.
