Daimler takes on Tesla in energy storage

Mercedes Storage using ancient technology Lithium Ion batteries

Daimler AG announced the establishment Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH to promote the development, global sales and installation of Mercedes-Benz brand stationary energy storage systems using lithium-ion battery technology.

"This now enables us to respond with even greater flexibility to our customers' requirements," said Harald Kroger, head of development Electrics/Electronics and E-Drive at Daimler AG. The production of the systems will be done by another wholly owned Daimler subsidiary, Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, which will produce both stationary and automotive storage systems.

With the growing electrification of the automobile, demand for lithium-ion batteries is constantly rising, Daimler said. By expanding this line of business to include stationary private and industrial applications, Daimler said it sees additional growth prospects.

Up to eight battery modules with an energy content of 2.5 kWh each can be combined into an energy storage system with up to 20 kWh. Scalability is many times greater in the field of industrial applications, the company said.

Delivery of energy storage solutions for the German market started in April. Work also started on setting up the first large-scale industrial projects in the field of primary energy. With the establishment of Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH in Kamenz/Saxony, the company is now taking another step toward expanding the stationary storage business. International expansion and collaboration with further partners are particularly high on the agenda, the company said.

Daimler said that establishing a separate entity provides greater flexibility for the stationary storage business, which is advantageous since the customer base for Mercedes-Benz energy storage solutions is very diverse in comparison to the automotive division. It ranges from private households to large-scale industry. "The new focus allows us to react with even greater flexibility to our customers' requirements, and to expand our product portfolio as necessary," said Kroger.