Daimler extends its portfolio of new energy vehicles (NEV) with the introduction of the  DENZA 400, the company’s “Made in China, for China” electric vehicle from Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (BDNT). The DENZA 400 offers upgraded battery, electric motor and electronic control providing customers an electric range of up to 400 km on a full charge. The vehicles are manufactured at BDNT’s independent production line at the BYD base in Shenzhen. The new flexible production line will increase capacity based on future market demand. Today’s start of production of another NEV underlines Daimler’s commitment in the area of electric mobility.

In addition to electric vehicles, Daimler said its strategy in China to reduce emissions and promote environmental responsibility includes an increasing offering of plug-in hybrid vehicles. In 2013, Mercedes-Benz became one of the first automakers to offer gasoline, diesel and hybrid models at the same time in China. The E 400 L Hybrid is a locally-produced hybrid from a premium brand, while the smart electric drive (electric power consumption combined 15.1 kWh/100km/ CO₂ emissions combined 0g/km) is an imported premium all-electric vehicle from Europe.

The DENZA 400 features improved battery density achieved through an upgraded production process that increases the battery’s capacity from 47.5 kWh to 62 kWh, while maintaining the original size. With an upgraded range of up to 400 km, most Chinese consumers, who generally drive 50 to 80 km per day, will only need to recharge their DENZA 400 once per week, according to the automaker.

The first generation of DENZA was launched in 2014 as a Sino-German joint venture dedicated to electric vehicles in China, according to the automaker.