Mercedes-Benz, the German luxury carmaker, has reported a significant increase in sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the second quarter of this year. The company sold 56,300 EVs, a 123% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge in sales highlights Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero across its value chain by 2039. EVs now account for 11% of the company’s overall sales year-to-date, representing a 6% increase in the second quarter. The strong demand for EVs, particularly in Germany and the U.S., has contributed to this growth. Increasing the percentage of EV sales is crucial for Mercedes-Benz to continue reducing its carbon footprint.
Mercedes-Benz has been diligently tracking its carbon emissions, specifically Scope 1 and Scope 2, in accordance with standard protocols. In 2022, the company’s total carbon footprint from energy use is 663 tons, a 42% decrease compared to 2021. The same downward trend can be observed in CO2 emissions from each vehicle type, with total pollution from cars down by over 51% and emissions from vans down by 43%. Mercedes-Benz aims to reduce emissions per passenger car by at least 50% by the end of the decade, compared to 2020. The company’s goal of cutting carbon emissions from its new car fleet by 40% in relation to the use phase, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, is another step towards achieving its sustainability targets.
Mercedes-Benz has set ambitious goals for electrification and decarbonization. The luxury car brand aims to become fully electric by 2030. To achieve this, the company is focusing on various strategies, including using renewable energy, charging with green electricity, and improving battery technology. Mercedes-Benz has joined Amazon’s “The Climate Pledge” initiative, committing to regularly measure and report greenhouse gas emissions, implement decarbonization strategies aligned with the Paris Agreement, and invest in initiatives that offset unavoidable emissions. The company is also a founding member of “Transform to Net Zero,” a climate initiative launched by Microsoft, which aims to facilitate broader decarbonization efforts across the economy and society.
Securing a sustainable supply of high-quality lithium for EV battery production is a crucial part of Mercedes-Benz’s electrification plans. The company has partnered with Canadian-German start-up Rock Tech Lithium to ensure a supply of battery-grade lithium hydroxide. This partnership aims to achieve carbon-neutral lithium production by 2030. Mercedes-Benz is committed to responsibly sourcing materials like lithium to achieve a sustainable electrification of its entire vehicle fleet. In the U.S., American Lithium Corporation is working to meet the growing demand for domestic lithium and contribute to the country’s net-zero goals.
Mercedes-Benz continues to prioritize reducing CO2 emissions and minimizing the use of rare metals in its EV manufacturing processes. The company’s commitment to sustainability and its ambitious goals demonstrate its dedication to creating a greener future for the automotive industry.
