Mercedes And Tesla Unveil Mercedes B-Class Electric Car

03/28/2013

Mercedes-Benz and Tesla Motors (TSLA) teamed up to create an electric version of Mercedes’ B-class hatchback – the 2014 Mercedes B-class Electric Drive.

The 2014 Mercedes B-class Electric Drive will debut in select states in the U.S. early next year. Its availability will then branch out throughout the country and abroad. Interestingly enough, the original Mercedes B-class hatchback has only been available abroad until now. The smallest Mercedes that has ever been available in the states has been the C-class. This move is part of an upcoming trend of smaller Mercedes cars coming to America.

Tesla Motors had a heavy hand in creating Mercedes’s new vehicle – they not only helped in development, but also manufactured the electric drive system, including the lithium ion battery pack, electric motors, on-board charger and other electronics, according to CNN. Tesla Motors, who has put out their own car, the Tesla Model S sedan, also contributed in the development of the Toyota Rav4 EV.

The Mercedes B-class Electric Drive will be able to travel 115 miles with a full charge of approximately 7 hours. A “quick charge,” at two hours, will take the car roughly 60 miles, according to Motor Authority. Its 134 horsepower electric motor will allow it to go from zero to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds.