There is a constant doubt about electric vehicles: is it possible to profit from them? When we refer to the new Mercedes-Benz EQS , according to the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius, will be able to generate “reasonable” profits from an early age.
The statement was made in an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung with Ola Källenius reminding that: “The logic remains the same: the upper segment promises the best profit margin”.
Even though the EQS is a more expensive electric vehicle to build and come “loaded” with state-of-the-art technology, being positioned in a superior segment that corresponds to a higher purchase price allows for the desired profitability.
Combustion still “yields” more
Still, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz warned that, despite being profitable, the new EQS will not be as profitable as the new S-Class (W223) which remains faithful to the combustion engine.
According to Ola Källenius, this is due to the higher costs of the components used by electric cars, especially when it comes to batteries.
As for whether Daimler will reach the target of making its fleet carbon neutral before 2039 as planned, Ola Källenius was optimistic, saying: “That will probably happen sooner, given the dynamic pace we are seeing today” .
Still on the Mercedes-Benz EQS, the possibility of there being a coupé or convertible version in its future, it was up to Gordon Wagener, Mercedes-Benz design director, to put an end to this issue. As we saw with the new S-Class, we won't see coupés or convertibles from the EQS either, with Wagener justifying the decision with the dwindling demand for these types of models.
Speaking to Autocar, the executive of the German brand ended up revealing that forecasts indicate that this type of models will correspond to around 15% of sales, while 50% will be SUVs and 30% sedans.
Source: Automotive News, Autocar.