Tired of Tesla? German Automakers Ready An Electric Blitzkrieg

Audi e-tron Quattro concept. Photo: Reuters

After years of watching Tesla Motors steal sales and attention with the all-electric Tesla Model S, German automakers are finally striking back with several high-volume production EVs of their own — seeking to outflank the California start-up, even as they struggle to make sense of the electric car business.

Three years from now will see the launch of two all-electric models from Audi and Porsche based on concepts revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week. Both the e-tron Quattro and Porsche Mission E production vehicles will feature a range of about 310 miles, with massive floor-mounted lithium-ion battery packs — just like Tesla builds with the Model S sedan and upcoming Model X SUV.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz will have its own unique electric vehicle for high-volume production within a similar time and with a similar driving range. Thomas Weber, Mercedes chief of research and development, says the first volume EV with a Mercedes badge will not be a variant of a current vehicle, but compete in a “new space.”

Those models will join the BMW i3 and i8 electric cars, which BMW execs have said would portend additional all-electric models.

“This is our first bigger volume (electric) car, and we will see how the customer is accepting of that,” said Ulrich Hackenberg, head of research and development for Audi. “If you look over a long time e-mobility will have a very dominant function.”

Porsche Mission E Concept. Photo: Getty