Key Highlights:
Mercedes-Benz & BYD Collaboration 🚗🤝🔋: Rumors are swirling about Mercedes-Benz’s plans to power their future electric vehicles with BYD’s renowned LFP Blade battery. While the extent of this partnership (global or China-specific) remains under wraps, the union could reshape the electric car landscape.
Rise of LFP Batteries 🌊🔌: A notable shift in the automotive industry is the growing preference for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, recognized for their cobalt-free, cost-effective nature. Industry giants, including Tesla, are already embracing LFP batteries, underscoring their potential dominance in the EV space.
Mercedes-Benz’s Chinese Stake 🌏💼: Reflecting China’s significant influence in the automotive industry, two major Chinese stakeholders, Geely Group and Beijing Auto (BAIC), each own a 10% stake in Mercedes-Benz. This ownership underscores the deepening ties between global car brands and Chinese entities.
🌍 In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), Mercedes-Benz appears to be making a bold move. Recent reports suggest that the luxury automaker is collaborating with BYD, a Chinese battery giant, to power its new EVs. But is this partnership exclusive to China, or does it spell a more global approach? Let’s dive in.
Time to shine!
— Mercedes-Benz (@MercedesBenz) September 9, 2023
With the striking use of light, our Concept CLA Class is the brightest star in the sky. #MercedesBenz #ConceptCLAClass #IAA23 pic.twitter.com/TKBXnypXxy
The Rumored Partnership: Beyond Borders?
- Mercedes-Benz and BYD: The news is buzzing with speculation that Mercedes-Benz’s future EVs will be energized by BYD’s renowned LFP Blade battery. But will this be a global partnership or exclusive to China? Only time will tell.
- Official Sources: According to a recent article from CBEA, an esteemed Chinese publication affiliated with the China Automotive Battery Research Institute (CABRI), Mercedes-Benz is set to begin production of these electric vehicles by 2025.
- Joint Ventures of the Past: The ties between these two giants aren’t new. Back in 2010, a joint venture named Denza was born between them. However, despite its promise, the collaboration faced challenges, with Mercedes-Benz eventually reducing its stake.
Unveiling the Benz CLA Concept
- IAA Mobility Conference: This eagerly anticipated concept car was revealed at the IAA Mobility Conference held in Munich. Its unveiling set tongues wagging, primarily due to the car’s impressive 750 km WLTP range and its underlying 800V MMA platform.
- The Expected Launch: The market debut for this concept is predicted for 2025, aligning perfectly with the rumored BYD battery-powered production.
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Mercedes-Benz’s Tryst with Batteries
- Past Collaborations: Historically, Mercedes-Benz preferred Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries for its EVs, primarily for their higher energy density.
- The Cobalt Controversy: Yet, the extraction methods for the precious metals used in NMC batteries, especially cobalt, have been controversial.
- Shift to LFP: The automotive world is now witnessing a drift towards lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Known for being cobalt-free and cost-effective, they may be the future of EVs. Major players like Tesla have already made the switch.
Tesla and BYD: The Battery Bond
- BYD’s Growing Popularity: It’s no secret that Elon Musk’s Tesla, a leader in the EV space, has embraced BYD’s LFP batteries for some Model 3 versions.
- Musk’s Announcement: In 2021, Musk forecasted that the majority of Tesla vehicles would soon be LFP-powered.
- China’s Battery Usage Stats: Recent statistics reveal LFP batteries’ dominance in China, representing a whopping 68.3% of total battery usage.
BYD’s Battery Empire Expands
- Other Collaborations: Tesla isn’t BYD’s sole high-profile collaborator. Toyota, in its electric Corrola bZ3, also relies on BYD’s technology.
- Kia’s Revelation: In a recent revelation, the Kia EV5, manufactured in China, is also set to feature BYD’s LFP battery.
CLA’s Positioning and Competition
- CLA for the Younger Audience: Traditionally, the CLA has been marketed towards younger buyers as an entry-level Mercedes offering.
- EV CLA vs. Tesla Model 3: The EV version of CLA is eyed as a direct rival to Tesla’s most accessible EV, the Model 3. With this rivalry in mind, Mercedes’ shift from NMC to LFP batteries makes strategic sense.
BYD vs. CATL: The Battery Battle
- The Ongoing Battle: BYD seems to be aggressively chasing CATL’s clientele. As the market leader, CATL’s dominance is evident, but BYD is not far behind.
- Historical Collaborations: It’s essential to note that rumors about a Mercedes-Benz and BYD battery collaboration have been circulating since 2020.
Mercedes-Benz: China’s Influence
- Significant Stakeholders: Mercedes-Benz is significantly influenced by Chinese stakeholders, with Geely Group and Beijing Auto (BAIC) owning 10% each.
Sergio Richi
Editor, Logll Tech News
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