Mercedes-Benz said production of its all-electric B250e will cease in the third quarter as it transitions the car’s Rastatt assembly plant to prepare for a new generation of compact vehicles starting in 2018. With its relatively high opening sticker of $40,895 before federal, state or local incentives coupled with minimal marketing efforts and a modest per-charge range of just 87 miles, the B-Class Electric Drive never really caught on with buyers here. As a result, this van-like vehicle managed to sell only 3,651 units since it hit the States in 2013.
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2018
While the existing B-Class Electric Drive will be departing, Mercedes-Benz is aggressively moving ahead on its next generation of advanced EV models as part of the automaker’s new CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Service, Electric) corporate strategy for future mobility. To be developed under M-B’s recently formed “EQ” product and technology sub-brand, Mercedes says these new vehicles can be built in its existing facilities on four different continents to best serve local markets. Earlier this spring, the automaker committed to investing nearly $10.8 billion dollars to bring more than 10 new EV models into its portfolio by 2022.
More EVs and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles:
2018 Honda Accord Clarity EV: Smooth operator, with asterisks
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric Limited Quick Take
2017 Volkswagen e-Golf First Review
