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.”

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.

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.