Mercedes-Benz Stops The Sale of EVs, for Now : Automotive Addicts

Automotive

Mercedes-Benz is hitting the brakes on U.S. gross sales of its present lineup of EQ electrical automobiles beginning in September 2025. Whereas this may increasingly sound like a sudden departure from electrification, the transfer seems to be extra of a recalibration than a full cease. Manufacturing of EQ fashions will proceed on the automaker’s Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant, however these automobiles will likely be headed for international markets reasonably than American showrooms.

The choice impacts your complete U.S. EQ lineup, together with the EQS Sedan, EQS SUV, EQE Sedan, and EQE SUV. A Mercedes spokesperson confirmed to The Drive that sellers had been notified U.S. order banks for all variants of those fashions could be paused. Automobiles scheduled for manufacturing earlier than September 1, 2025, will nonetheless be delivered as deliberate. Nevertheless, after that date, no new EQ fashions will likely be heading to American consumers—no less than for now.

There are a number of key causes for the change in route. One among them is the expiration of the federal EV tax credit score on September 30, 2025, which may make luxurious EVs a good more durable promote. Mercedes has struggled to maneuver its electrical lineup within the U.S., due to a mix of excessive costs, underwhelming vary figures, and polarizing design language. Regardless of efforts to spice up curiosity with heavy reductions, the EQ lineup hasn’t gained the traction the model had hoped for.

That stated, Mercedes isn’t abandoning EVs totally. The model nonetheless has bold electrical plans, together with the upcoming CLA EV, which stays on monitor for launch later this yr. This compact electrical sedan is predicated on Mercedes’ new MMA platform, aimed toward offering higher effectivity, decrease manufacturing prices, and extra aggressive pricing. After the CLA EV, the corporate plans to introduce two new electrical SUVs and a completely electrical model of the GLC, additional proving that electrification stays a significant a part of the automaker’s future roadmap.

In the meantime, manufacturing on the Tuscaloosa plant gained’t be idle. The ability’s versatile manufacturing setup means it might seamlessly swap between constructing inner combustion, hybrid, and electrical automobiles. That permits Mercedes to proceed constructing the EQS and EQE SUVs for markets exterior the U.S. the place EV demand stays stronger or higher incentivized.

Apparently, the EQB SUV was not particularly talked about in Mercedes’ assertion, which raises the chance that it’d stick round a bit longer within the U.S. The EQB is the smallest and arguably most sensible of the EQ choices, and its extra accessible worth level may enable it to proceed discovering houses whereas stock lasts.

Whereas this pivot would possibly look like a retreat, it’s possible simply a part of a broader technique shift. Mercedes seems to be reevaluating its EV sport plan within the U.S., possible specializing in upcoming fashions which are extra in tune with market expectations. With new EVs on the horizon and a manufacturing system designed for flexibility, Mercedes is holding its choices open whereas responding to real-world gross sales knowledge.

So whilst you gained’t see new EQ fashions on seller tons come fall 2025, don’t rely Mercedes out of the EV race simply but. The following chapter is already within the works.

Mike Floyd is a finance government by commerce and a automobile fanatic at coronary heart. As a CFO with a eager eye for element and technique, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering recent insights and distinctive views that transcend the floor. His ardour for vehicles—particularly his favourite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, the place he blends a love for efficiency and design together with his skilled precision. Whether or not he’s breaking down business tendencies or spotlighting rising improvements, Mike helps preserve the location each sharp and forward-thinking.