Recently, international auto giants including Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen released their respective electric energy models, doubtless hoping to compete in China's growing new-energy vehicle market. Many experts believe that 2018 will be a crucial year for new-energy vehicles in China, as they will likely witness exponential growth.

At the recent Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz officially released its new line of electric vehicles, EQ. The automaker also launched a new SUV model for the EQ series, which has a range of more than 400 kilometers. Mass production of the new car is expected to begin in 2019. At the same time, Mercedes plans to launch three electric cars by the end of 2016, including an upgraded version of the B250e. By 2025, Mercedes will unveil a variety of plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as approximately 10 models of electric vehicles. The company will also accelerate production of new-energy vehicles in China.

Volkswagen has released its I.D. electric concept car, and plans to begin mass production of the new model in 2020. Renault has unveiled TREZOR, a pure electric concept car with a self-driving function. BMW, Opel and other brands have also launched new-energy vehicles.

China is the most important automotive market, as well as the center of future development for electric vehicles. It is therefore crucial for companies to produce cars locally. Mercedes hopes to meet the needs of Chinese customers by providing localized electric vehicles, according to Dr. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG.