Mexican Media Brands
Daimler Opts Out of Partnering on Battery Production
CEO Dieter Zetsche says Daimler AG no longer is interested in collaborating with other carmakers to make batteries for electric vehicles because the industry is saddled with massive overcapacity already.
#hybrid
Share
CEO Dieter Zetsche says Daimler AG no longer is interested in collaborating with other carmakers to make batteries for electric vehicles because the industry is saddled with massive overcapacity already.
Daimler indicated interest as recently as two months ago in a possible battery partnership with rival Audi AG. Now Zetsche says such a project would be “the dumbest thing we could do,” says Automotive News Europe.
In December Daimler shut down its Li-Tec cell-making subsidiary and has turned to Asian suppliers for cheaper units. Zetsche says Daimler’s cell design was exceptional, but it cost too much and delivered advantages that customers couldn’t detect.
Daimler might revise its strategy if researchers find a viable way to double the capacity of today’s lithium-ion batteries, Zetsche adds. But he predicts it will take at least three years to find a successor chemistry and five additional years to commercialize it.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Honda to Make Hybrids in Thailand
Honda Motor Co. is preparing to launch production in Thailand of hybrid cars and the batteries that help power them.
-
On Zeekr, the Price of EVs, and Lighting Design
About Zeekr, failure, the price of EVs, lighting design, and the exceedingly attractive Karma
-
GAC, CATL Partner on Two Battery Ventures
Two new battery ventures are being formed in China by domestic carmaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Ltd. and battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd.
