This month, Mercedes-Benz kicked off production of the new B-class Electric Drive at its plant in Rastatt, Germany.
Set for sale in left-hand-drive in selected European markets in late of 2014, the five-seat MPV is set to compete with the BMW i3 and Nissan Leaf.
Unlike the uniquely styled electric car competition, however, the new zero emission Mercedes-Benz is based on an existing model – the second-generation B-class.
At the heart of the new car is a lithium-ion battery produced by Tesla Motors, which Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler has owned ten percent of since 2009.
Developing 177 hp and 252 lb ft of torque, the electric motor of the car can propel it from 0-62 mph in just 7.9 seconds.
The Tesla-sourced batteries can keep it on the road for approximately 115 miles of US city driving.
