Reuters reports, "Daimler plans to roll out a Mercedes-Benz model that runs on electricity in 2010, its chief executive said in a newspaper interview." Dieter Zetsche (yes, the famous Dr. Z of Mercedes' U.S. television commercials is real) told the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, "We plan an electric Smart for 2010 and for the same year a Mercedes (electric) model as well."
Dr. Z wasn't finished with that jaw-dropper, either. "Zetsche also said he aimed to bring a small series of fuel cell cars to the market in 2010."
Thompson Financial adds, "Daimler AG's Mercedes brand plans to launch full-scale production of an electric version of its Smart model by 2010 and is considering offering its A-Class and B-Class models as electrical cars as well, board member Thomas Weber said" in an interview late last week. The A and B classes are not currently sold in the U.S., but rumors have suggested both models are U.S.-bound over the next several years.
The Christian Science Monitor notes, "The company has already invested almost $4 million in its Sustainable Mobility program, and plans to invest another $14 million by 2014."
EcoGeek adds, "The company already has a fleet of 10" electric Smarts "tooling about the streets of smog-choked London."
BenzInsider cautions, however, "Mr. Zetsche made no remark regarding the price, but based on the current market for electric vehicles, we can assume that the price for an electric Smart Fortwo will be significantly more than for a similar gasoline powered model." The Price, Zetsche said, "depends on whether we sell the batteries with the car or lease them. The willingness (on the part of consumers) to pay more is limited."
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