When talking about the environmental attention of 100% electric cars, it is not only about the electric motorization itself. But also about all the interventions that car manufacturers apply throughout the entire life cycle of the cars to ensure that CO2 emissions are minimized. Mercedes-Benz, for example, has acted in this way with the new electric C-Class, as evidenced by the “360° Environmental Check” verified by independent auditors.
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Mercedes electric C-Class looks to the environment
The Star brand has focused on resource efficiency, CO2 reduction, and circular economy. And it has specifically targeted low-emission materials such as aluminum, steel, plastics, and battery cells. Result? CO2 emissions in the supply chain can be reduced by about 23%. In particular, Mercedes-Benz sources about two-thirds of the vehicle’s aluminum needs from electrolysis plants powered by renewable energy or with a higher share of recycled material. And it’s not just about the bodywork and steering knuckles. Components such as rims and battery housing are also made of aluminum with a reduced carbon footprint.
Aluminum and steel protagonists
Of course, aluminum is not the only protagonist. About 45 kilograms of steel from electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy, for example, are used for internally produced steel components. If we compare with the currently mass-produced C-Class, the share of secondary materials in thermoplastics has increased more than fourfold. And in total, about 49 kilograms of recycled thermoplastic plastic are used.
Improved production
Regarding production, the new electric C-Class is built at the Kecskemét plant. The plant already operates with energy-efficient technologies. On the western part of the site, a ground-mounted solar park has been built. It has an installed capacity of 27.4 MWp over an area of 240,000 square meters. Together with the photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the new battery assembly, body shop, and assembly halls, the plant reaches a total capacity of 42.3 MWp. This can cover about 25% of the annual energy demand. In the new paint shop, finally, optimized processes reduce energy consumption by about 20% compared to the existing plant and cut carbon emissions by about 80%.
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