360° Environmental Check for the Mercedes-Benz all-new electric GLB: 21% less CO₂ in the supply chain and up to 3 tons of CO₂ savings in the battery cells achieved by reduction measures

Mercedes-Benz is consistently advancing the decarbonization of its vehicles. The all-new electric GLB sets a benchmark for more sustainable production and a carbon reduction in the supply chain with its 360° Environmental Check. The analysis, verified by independent auditors, highlights significant progress, particularly in manufacturing – one of the most important areas for reducing emissions.

The key result: CO₂-emissions can already be reduced by approximately 21 percent during the production phase by taking specific reduction measures. This is made possible by close collaboration with suppliers, as well as the targeted use of renewable energy and carbon-reduced materials.

Consistently engineered for carbon reduction across the entire value chain

The new GLB is based on the new Mercedes‑Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). Designed from scratch with a focus on decarbonization and circular economy principles, particular attention has been paid to emission-intensive components and materials such as the battery, aluminum, steel and thermoplastics, which are at the center of the carbon reduction measures.

Key contributors to the environmental performance at a glance:

• CO₂-reduced high-voltage battery: The use of electricity from renewable sources in cell production reduces the carbon footprint of the battery cells by approximately 40 percent. Across the entire battery, this corresponds to a savings of approximately 3 tons of CO₂ per battery.
• Sustainable aluminum: More than half of the aluminum used (359 lbs.) comes from smelters powered by renewable energy. This reduces the carbon footprint of these components by approximately 30 percent – amounting to a total savings of approximately 0.6 tons of CO₂.
• Transformation of steel production: Steel and ferrous materials account for approximately 46 percent of the materials used. The GLB already incorporates approximately 44 lbs. of CO₂-reduced steel produced in electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy. The combination of green hydrogen usage and electric steel production processes has the potential to enable virtually CO₂-free steel production in the future.
• More recycled materials for lower emissions: A total of 99 lbs. of thermoplastic recyclates are used in vehicle components on the GLB including:
  • Frunk tub: 50 percent recycled content
  • Jacking points: made from 100 percent recycled materials
  • Longitudinal member claddings and bumper substructures: up to 30 percent recycled materials

These measures alone result in approximately 156 lbs. of CO₂ savings compared with the use of primary materials, while also promoting a circular economy.

Net carbon-neutral production at the Kecskemét plant

Since 2022, Mercedes-Benz’s own vehicle production sites have been net carbon-neutral¹. By 2030, more than 70 percent of energy requirements in production are set to be covered by renewable energy. The goal for all Mercedes-Benz production plants worldwide is to operate entirely on renewable energy without CO₂ emissions by 2039. As part of ongoing construction measures, Mercedes-Benz is investing in the expansion of photovoltaic systems across the entire Kecskemét site. In addition, there is a strong focus on the continuous reduction of water consumption and waste.

Click here for the 360° Environmental Check of the all-new electric GLB.