In its next strategic step toward electric-only product lines, Mercedes-Benz is taking an 33% equity stake in European battery cell manufacturer Automotive Cells Company (ACC) to scale up development and production of next-generation high-performance battery cells and modules.
by Cindy Brauer, Global Fleet Correspondent
September 25, 2021
Ola Källenius
Credit: Mercedes-Benz
2 min to read
In its next strategic step toward electric-only product lines, Mercedes-Benz is taking an 33% equity stake in European battery cell manufacturer Automotive Cells Company (ACC) to scale up development and production of next-generation high-performance battery cells and modules.
"This investment marks a strategic milestone on our path to CO2 neutrality. Together with ACC, we will develop and efficiently produce battery cells and modules in Europe – tailor-made to the specific Mercedes-Benz requirements,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. ‘With Mercedes-Benz as a new partner, ACC aims to more than double capacity at its European sites to support Europe's industrial competitiveness in the design and manufacturing of battery cells.”
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To reach an announced target to become fully electric by 2030, Mercedes-Benz needs a total battery production capacity of more than 200 gigawatt hours. The automaker plans to build eight cell factories worldwide together with partners, four of them in Europe.
Credit: Mercedes-Benz
The goal is to integrate the most advanced and sustainable battery cells in the Mercedes-Benz EQ models, according to Markus Schäfer, responsible for Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars COO. “Mercedes-Benz will further complement high end cell development with its newly planned pilot plant ‘Drive Systems Campus’ in Stuttgart from 2023 onwards.”
“To have Mercedes-Benz join us as a new shareholder is a major milestone for ACC. Mercedes-Benz will bring a vote of confidence in our technology roadmap and product competitiveness that significantly strengthens ACC’s business potential and underpins our ambitious growth plans,” said Yann Vincent, CEO of ACC.
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