The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is based on the conventionally powered B-Class, which has become a bestseller in many countries since its market debut in 2011.

ENGADGET: Mercedes-Benz introduces B-Class Electric Drive, we go eyes-on

The vehicle will very likely resemble Mercedes-Benz's B-Class, which is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in late summer.

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At last month's auto show in Detroit, Mercedes-Benz showed a vehicle called "Vision-B, " a small but tall five-door cross between a small station wagon, a small minivan and a small SUV.

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Mercedes-Benz applies its familiar, high safety standards to the B-Class Electric Drive.

ENGADGET: Mercedes-Benz introduces B-Class Electric Drive, we go eyes-on

Local emission-free electric vehicles such as the new B-Class Electric Drive are a major part of the Mercedes-Benz strategy for sustainable mobility.

ENGADGET: Mercedes-Benz introduces B-Class Electric Drive, we go eyes-on

Mercedes-Benz has the A-Class E Cell, sold only in Europe, and the B-Class F-CELL, but plans to debut the SLS-AMG E Cell in a battery electric version by 2013.

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In Europe, we expect Mercedes-Benz sales will be supported in the near-term by the launch of new M-Class and the new B-Class in November.

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