Mercedes EQ Electric Crossover to be Built in Alabama

Mercedes EQ Electric Crossover to be Built in Alabama

Daimler has said it will build its EQ electric crossover at its plant in Vance, Alabama. 

Mercedes-Benz launched its ‘EQ’ electric vehicle sub-brand at last year’s Paris Motor Show, where it unveiled the Concept EQ crossover. The concept previewed a production EV from the German automaker, which we now know will be built at the Vance plant that also builds the Mercedes-Benz GLS and GLE SUVs.

Daimler has invested $1 billion in the Vance facility to expand the 20-year old site. A new battery pack facility will be built at a separate site nearby and will supply the lithium-ion battery packs for the electric crossover. The investments are expected are to create around 600 jobs.

“With this one billion dollar investment, we are significantly growing our manufacturing footprint here in Alabama, while sending a clear message to our customers across the U.S. and around the world: Mercedes-Benz will continue to be on the cutting-edge of electric vehicle development and production,” said Mercedes board member Markus Schäfer. “With production locations for EVs and batteries in EuropeChina and, now, the U.S., our global network is ready for the era of electric vehicles.”

SEE ALSO: 2017 Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ Concept Video, First Look

Mercedes says every one of its vehicles will be offered with at least one electrified powertrain by 2022, with more than 50 electrified vehicle variants planned.  The EQ crossover to be built in Alabama, along with all other EQ-branded Mercedes vehicles, will also be autonomous and will be an integral a part of the automaker’s CASE product strategy, which stands for Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric.

“With the addition of electric SUVs to our future fleet, we will provide discerning drivers with a new, high quality automotive option that will marry performance, luxury, and environmental stewardship,” Schäfer said. “As a result of our investments in Alabama, Mercedes-Benz customers will soon be able to enjoy advanced technology coupled with a luxury driving experience.”

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