The Tesla Model S is currently the EV range king, with the 2020 Model S Long Range Plus in June becoming the first EV to be rated over 400 miles of range by the EPA.
Soon, there might be multiple models in that arena, including potentially Mercedes-Benz's upcoming EQS.
The EQS will be launched next year as the first Mercedes based on an dedicated EV platform. It will come in several grades including one rated at over 435 miles when measured on the WLTP test cycle used overseas, the automaker said Wednesday. This could still result in a range of over 400 miles when measured on the stricter EPA test cycle.
The battery for the EQS will come from China's CATL, a supplier of batteries to multiple automakers including BMW, Geely, Tesla, Toyota and Volkswagen. This is the same company that in June said it was ready with a battery that would last more than a million miles of usage.
Mercedes-Benz EQS will use batteries sourced from CATL
CATL is constructing a plant in the German state of Thuringia, which will be the company's first outside China. The plant, which is expected to be operational in 2022, will use 100% renewable energy.
Mercedes and CATL will also work closely on developing next-generation battery technology. The goal is to shorten development times, significantly increase range, and reduce charging times.
”We will integrate cutting-edge battery systems to create luxury cars with outstanding range, charging speed, safety and sustainability,” Markus Schaefer, Mercedes' chief operating officer, said in a statement. “CATL will be a major supplier securing capacity for the next generations of our EQ products in the years to come.“
Mercedes though its parent company Daimler has a number of battery suppliers already, including in-house supplier Deutsche Accumotive and rival Chinese battery supplier Farasis Energy. Daimler has a 10% stake in Farasis.
