Daimler’s global production hubs for batteries and EVs

Mercedes is currently building its electrification strategy and establishes connected hubs to build batteries and electric cars across the globe. Daimler needs to keep on track to launch 10 all-electric models by 2022 and to electrify across the entire range.

Daimler just released the latest nodes on its electrification roadmap that will see production hubs spread across three continents. Both the 10 all-electric cars Mercedes has to launch by 2022 as well as their batteries will be assembled in factories positioned close to each other.

To expand its electric offering globally, Mercedes earmarked 10 billion euros. One billion alone will be used to set up what Daimler calls “a global battery network, which currently comprises five battery factories on three continents” with works on going.

Take the EQC that will first roll off the lines in Bremen in 2019 but will also be produced by BBAC, Daimler’s joint venture with BAIC in China. Last summer, Daimler also announced plans to build up local battery assembly with BAIC (we reported) which will then deliver the battery packs for the first EQ.
In 2018, Daimler will complete the second battery factory in Kamenz as preparations for the EQC at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen intensify as planned.

Other facilities for EQ models are the plants in German Rastatt, Sindelfingen as well as Tuscaloosa in the USA. Also Untertürkheim has been designated as 4th in line for battery assembly and electric mobility know-how. The choice had not been an easy one but had come to pass over month and in coordination with the workers council (we reported).

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain summarises the strategy as follows: “Our electric vehicles will be built in six plants on three continents. (..) As batteries are the heart of our electric vehicles we put a great emphasis on building them in our own factories. With our global battery network we are in an excellent position: As we are close to our vehicle plants we can ensure the optimal supply of production.”

Accordingly, Daimler is planning the fifth battery assembly close to its plant in Tuscaloosa where the EQ model will be made as well (we reported).
daimler.com, greencarcongress.com