Mercedes-Benz will be exclusively producing the all-electric EQS SUV at its North American passenger vehicle plant in Tuscaloosa, AL. Since building the plant in Alabama Mercedes has invested over seven billion into operations in the state.
One billion of the investment was for the new battery plant that they also located in Bibb County in March of this year. This marked the latest addition to the global Mercedes-Benz battery production network, which consists of factories on three different continents.
The battery for the EQS SUV is based on a modular architecture that is adaptable for use in the EQE Sedans as well. Furthermore, the Bibb County battery site’s entire electricity needs will be met through renewable energy sources from 2024 onwards. Mercedes has also built its own battery recycling plant in Germany, based on hydrometallurgy. The company plans to close the recyclable material loop with high-tech partners for battery recycling in the U.S. and China.
Jörg Burzer, a member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for product and supply stated, “With the new EQS SUV joining our production portfolio of all-electric Mercedes-EQ models; I am absolutely sure that our great Tuscaloosa team will make the electric SUV another global success.”
Stating in their press release announcing the start of production for the electric SUVs. Roughly two-thirds of annual production is exported, making MBUSI one of the largest exporters of automobiles from the US.
Several of the highlights for the new SUV from Mercedes includes plenty of space, comfort, and connectivity for up to seven passengers with luxury interior. Responsive 4MATIC all-wheel drive and an intelligent OFFROAD driving mode, the EQS SUV is also capable of tackling light terrain with ease.
Michael Goebel, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) responded to the announcement of the EQS SUV being fully produced in Alabama by praising the Mercedes teams in Alabama.
“We have a highly skilled and motivated team that has absolutely delivered in the successful product launch of the new EQS SUV. Our Team Members in Tuscaloosa have shown a lot of flexibility, energy, and commitment in helping us to achieve milestone after milestone since our first Mercedes-Benz rolled off the production line more than 25 years ago. The employees here at the site can be proud that the first all-electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz and its battery are being built in Alabama.”
The new electric SUV and Lithium batteries that are powering them are a part of the Mercedes-Benz Cars’ global initiative to produce eight all-electric vehicles at seven sites on three continents this year.
David Palmore is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News
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