Explained: Why Mercedes is interested in entering Formula E

In a branch of racing that currently appears to have the most momentum of any in international motorsport, Mercedes, like all of the other manufacturers that have joined the all-electric series, wants to sell electric cars in the future.

Motorsport.com reported last month that two engineers from the Mercedes-affiliated HWA company attended the Marrakesh ePrix.

While it remains unclear as to their specific brief on attending the last Formula E race, it is understood that they are continuing to hold a close watching brief on the all-electric series.

Through its recently introduced EQ brand, Mercedes is aiming to bring the first all-electric car to the road in 2019.

The German giant has already gone on record stating that the first step toward will be the introduction of plug-in-hybrid versions of every single vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz model range by 2020.

If, as expected, Mercedes’ option to enter Formula E in 2018 is to be activated, then it would be perfect timing to market and promote its first ranges of electric vehicles.

Unlike Volkswagen and BMW, Mercedes has yet to make significant investments in charging networks, but this is expected to change very shortly.

Just last month, the UK's largest provider of EV charging infrastructure, Chargemaster, partnered with Mercedes-Benz UK to offer home charging solutions for their Mercedes-Benz or smart electric plug-in vehicle.

Mercedes also has solid relationships with industry-leading battery and energy storage specialist companies such as Deutsche ACCUmotive and A123, who work closely with Mercedes in automotive and motorsport programmes.