Mercedes Is Set to Unveil Its Fleet of Four Electric Vehicles in September

Mercedes is getting ready to unveil a fleet of four electric vehicles, two sedans and two SUVs, sometime in September at the Paris Motor Show. It is rumored that this line of EVs will mark the inception of a new sub-brand for the German luxury automaker. In doing so, Mercedes will be throwing down the gauntlet in a big way, challenging Tesla’s dominance in the electric vehicle market.

The announcement is also a big vote of confidence in the future of alternative-fuel cars, Bloomberg reports, signaling that Mercedes believes that it can capture customers and turn a profit selling electric vehicles. The success of Tesla’s Model S may have demonstrated the viability of the EV market, but Elon Musk’s company has continued to grapple with production delays and failed to meet several financial goals.

Even as governments continue to pass laws that regulate the amount of pollution that diesel-fueled cars can emit, giving carmakers a clear incentive to move in this direction. The hurdles that electric vehicle makers must overcome include customer skepticism at charging times and limited driving ranges.

In a statement to Engadget, Mercedes confirmed that it was working on a large SUV EV with an effective driving range of 250 to 310 miles. The SUV prototype, which will be on display at the Paris Motor Show, will also feature the distinctive design scheme that Mercedes has chosen for its fleet of EVs.

Bloomberg reports that Mercedes also has plans in place to develop an all-electric heavy duty truck by the end of the decade.