Mercedes offers electric dream

TRADITIONAL automakers have had a tough time when it comes to the world of electric vehicles.

- By Derek Reilly

Having a history of manufacturing combustion engines gave them an advantage vs new player from Asia when it came to petrol and diesel engines.

Asia and predominantly China didn't possess the engineering skills to compete so, roughly 20 years ago China started betting big on BEV, battery electric vehicles.

Since then, we've seen supply chains and technologies related to EVs dominated by China. New brands have captured market share and are producing very capable cars that western consumers are happy to buy.

The 1st generation of electric cars from the likes of Mercedes-Benz were good but not great.

The design was questioned by customers who bought the car brand on its history of producing beautiful cars.