The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive will gets its global launch in the US market from early 2014 with European sales to follow.
The first battery electric car from Mercedes-Benz made its world debut at the New York Show and is expected to incorporate some technology elements from Daimler’s technical cooperation with Tesla (such as a Tesla developed lithium-ion battery) – though such details are yet to be confirmed.
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Mercedes says the car’s maximum speed is electronically limited to 100 mph (160 km/h) – in the interests of operating range. The claimed range is around 115 miles (200 kilometres), according to the respective driving cycle. The battery of the B-Class Electric Drive can be recharged at any standard domestic power outlet. In the USA, the charging time for a range of about 60 miles (100 kilometers) is claimed to be less than 2 hours at 240 V/40 A.
Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the Mercedes-Benz Cars Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing said: “The B-Class Electric Drive meets the wishes of many customers for emission-free driving without foregoing the hallmark attributes of a Mercedes-Benz, namely: safety, comfort and, of course, not to forget exhilarating driving pleasure.”
Also within the Daimler stable, the new smart fortwo electric drive will be available in the US beginning May 1, 2013.
Mercedes rival BMW will launch its electric ‘i’ brand i3 model later in 2013.
