Mercedes Benz, Alicia Keys, EVs, and energy generation using footsteps

September 3, 2021 Editor

Germany multinational automaker Mercedes Benz has launched the company’s first line of electric vehicles (EVs).

The automaker partnered with singer and songwriter Alicia Keys at the US Open from August 30 to September 12 in launching its EV line, to generate clean energy for an exclusive event and to raise funds to support the next generation’s clean energy workforce.

In partnership with energy generation technology firm Pavegen, Mercedes Benz has installed kinetic tech floor tiles at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Fans of Alicia Keys and Mercedez Benz walking over the tiles to explore the automaker’s new range of EVs will also generate clean energy using their footsteps. The clean energy will be harvested and stored to power an upcoming exclusive event with Alicia Keys.

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For each consumer who walks the pathway, Mercedes-Benz will make a $1 donation per footstep to The National Energy Education Development Project (NEED). The non-profit organisation will use funds donated by Mercedes Benz to expand its upcoming pilot curriculum around EVs and to provide additional training for students and teachers around electrification and smart mobility.

The first EVs from the line the automaker has introduced are the EQS 450+ and the EQS 580 4MATIC which will launch later this year.

Monique Harrison, head of brand at Mercedes-Benz USA, said: “We are excited to engage consumers to help us create clean energy and support NEED’s efforts to train and empower the next generation of the STEM workforce, and hope that with this initiative we will spark excitement from kids to take part in the future of electric transportation.”

Mary Spruill, Executive Director at NEED, added: “This engagement at the US Open is harnessing the power of tennis fans to support these teachers and students as they learn about the electric grid and what infrastructure is needed to put more electric vehicles like the EQS on the road, helping to make the future of electric transportation incredibly bright and successful.”