Electric backflip: Mercedes-Benz bins plans to develop new platform for electric cars - report

Mercedes-Benz is adjusting its plans for future electrification, with a slow-down on spending and development for its electric cars, reports from Europe have revealed.

German publication Handelsblatt cites insiders having revealed that poor sales of some electric vehicles so far have made Mercedes-Benz reconsider its initial aggressive approach to developing EVs for sale, and the brand will instead look to save costs where possible.

According to the report, Mercedes has adjusted its plans to spend big on developing new platforms for future electric cars, and now intends to redevelop its existing EVA2 platform (which currently underpins the EQE and EQS).

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Automotive News Europe has added to the information, with confirmed word from Mercedes that the planning restructure is underway.

"The pace of transformation will be determined by market conditions and the wishes of our customers," a Mercedes spokesperson told the outlet.

Furthermore, Autocar estimates that this will save Mercedes between €4 billion and €6 billion (AU$6.52 billion - $9.78 billion).

Shelving the MB.EA Large platform for now means the next generation of EQE and EQS will now ride on a redeveloped EVA2 platform, with an 800V system to replace the existing 400V charging architecture.

Mercedes is adjusting its plans for future electrification. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

More efficiency and increased range will also be a redevelopment focus, though Mercedes is set to push on with developing an MMA platform for combustion and electric cars - set to underpin CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, GLA and GLB, according to Autocar.

An MB.AMG platform set for a 2025 debut is still also on the cards for the next AMG GT 4-Door, as well as an SUV relative, plus an MB.VAN platform (for 2026) will underpin the next Mercedes EQV before also going on to be the basis of more commercial vehicles.

Mercedes also recently pushed back plans to hit 50 per cent electrified (PHEV and EV) sales by 2025 to 2030, and quashed plans to sell electric cars only by 2030.