New Mercedes EVs in the Works?

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit is developing four electric vehicles it plans to launch by the end of 2020, Autocar reports.

The U.K. enthusiast publication, which doesn’t cite its sources, says the EVs will be based on Mercedes’ C- and S-Class sedans and GLA and GLC crossover/SUV models. The GLA EV is expected to ride on a modified version of the carmaker’s MFA platform that also carries Mercedes’ B-Class Electric Drive EV.

The other three EVs will use Mercedes’ newly developed Modular Electric Architecture (MEA), which is an EV variant of the company’s Modular Rear Architecture that can support rear or four-wheel-drive drivetrains with as many as three electric motors. The first MEA-based model will be the upcoming GLC Fuel Cell vehicle due next year.

Autocar says the new EVs will be powered by a choice of electric motors—ranging from 75 kW to 400 kW—that Mercedes is developing internally. Daimler's Deutsche Accumotive GmbH subsidiary will supply the lithium-ion batteries.

All the EVs will have a driving range of at least 250 miles, Autocar says. This is the minimal level needed to make them a viable alternative to hybrids and conventionally powered vehicles, Mercedes research and development chief Thomas Weber has said.

Mercedes' Smart car unit also is readying the second-generation electric variant of its ForTwo small car and an all-new ForFour Electric Drive model.

Last month Germany announced a €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) incentive plan to help boost demand for electrified vehicles. Under the program, EV buyers will receive as much as a €4,000 ($4,500) subsidy.