Mercedes to market Tesla-powered 2014 B-Class EV
Posted Jul 5th 2012 8:55AM
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Looks like another Tesla Motors investor will be looking to cash in on their connection. Autoweek reports Mercedes-Benz will offer their B-Class with Tesla propulsion.
The magazine says their source at the German automaker confirms plans for a B-Class electric-only vehicle. While Tesla already provides battery packs for the battery-powered Smart ForTwo, the B-Class EV will reportedly have Tesla batteries, motor and other components. North American residents should be able to procure one sometime in 2014.
The same Mercedes source says plans for a hybrid B-Class have been postponed for now. Adding a range-extending, gasoline-powered engine to an electric vehicle would put the car into a different class for which rebates and incentives aren't as favorable in the States.
Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler owns a 4.7-per cent share of Tesla. Toyota also owns part of the electric-car company with which it builds electric RAV4 crossovers.
