Daimler sets sights on EVs

German carmaker Daimler plans to roll out at least six, and possibly as many as nine, electric vehicle (EV) models as part of its push to compete with Tesla and Audi.

The maker of Mercedes-Benz remains on track to unveil a new electric car at the Paris motor show next month after saying in July it had accelerated development of premium electric cars, a segment currently dominated by Tesla.

German trade magazine Automobilwoche earlier cited company sources saying Daimler intends to bring to market more than six EV models between 2018 and 2024.

German firms are investing heavily in EVs, a segment once neglected by the industry as customers shunned their limited operating range and high cost.

But a growing political backlash against diesel fumes and recent advances in battery technology to increase the reach of an EV by up to 50% have spurred major investments by Volkswagen, Daimler and suppliers such as Bosch and Continental.

There are also suggestions that Mercedes will make a SUV model with a plug-in hybrid engine powered by fuel cells. It is anticipated that it will have a range of up to 50km (30 miles) on battery power and will then run on electricity generated by hydrogen.