Mercedes EQC could be assembled in India - Report
Thanks to the recent reduction in import duties levied on components of EVs sourced in CKD or SKD form, from between 15-30% to between 10-15%, Mercedes-Benz is considering locally assembling the EQC. The EQC is basically a pure electric GLC, and so, the company can make it on the existing assembly line in Chakan.
The Mercedes EQC is the three-pointed star’s first fully electric SUV. It features two electric motors at the front and rear axles, which effectively make it an AWD vehicle. The front electric motor is optimised for best possible efficiency in the low to medium load range, while the rear one is for medium to high load range.
Together, the front and rear electric motors generate 300 kW (408 PS) and 765 Nm of torque. An 80 kWh Lithium-ion battery that tips the scales at 650 kg is the source of energy. The high-voltage battery, located beneath the vehicle floor, provides a range (NEDC) of more than 450 km. The power consumption rating (NEDC) is 22.2 kWh/100 km. A 0-100 km/h acceleration takes 5.1 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 180 km/h.
The Mercedes EQC is equipped with a water-cooled onboard charger (OBC) with a capacity of 7.4 kW. This makes it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations. The Mercedes-Benz Wallbox offers up to three times faster charging than a domestic power socket. Using a 110 kW DC fast charger, it takes around 40 minutes to charge the battery from 10% to 80% status of charge (provisional data).
Mercedes-Benz has received an overwhelming response for the EQC. The battery-powered SUV is sold-out for 2019, as per a report from Welt.
Speaking to the German publication last month, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: "We are sure that we will not be able to meet the demand in 2019 and probably not by 2020." The first unit of the zero-emission SUV will drive off the assembly line in Bremen (Germany) in a few weeks. Later this year, series production will commence in Beijing as well. Dealerships in the first markets will get their initial consignment in just a few months.
The high demand in the international markets, which have a significantly higher appetite for both luxury vehicles and EVs, may have an impact on the Indian launch. The initial plan was to launch the EQC sometime this year, but regardless, the deliveries here seem unlikely to commence before 2020.
Also Read: Mercedes V-Class launched in India, priced from INR 68.40 lakh
The Mercedes EQC will likely cost upwards of INR 1 crore (ex-showroom) in India. It will compete with the Audi e-tron quattro, which may arrive later this year or in 2020.
[Source 1: autocarindia.com]
[Source 2: welt.de]