Aug 24, 2015, 11:10am ET

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive to get double range?

The EV is expected to get a new powertrain, but not from Tesla Motors.

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly preparing a significant upgrade for its B-Class Electric Drive.

The company is developing a new powertrain that will more than double the EV's electric range, potentially jumping to around 500 km (311 miles), unnamed sources have told Auto Motor und Sport.

The figure appears to be based on the European range estimate, suggesting an EPA-derived number would be lower. Extrapolating the range jump compared to the current model's 87-mile EPA estimate points to a distance of around 218 miles.

The company sources the B-Class EV's battery, motor and power-delivery components from Tesla Motors, however the latest report suggests the new drivetrain will be designed in-house and the batteries will come from a new supplier.

Daimler in 2013 voiced interest in expanding its collaborative partnership with the California-based startup, sparking rumors of a plug-in hybrid C-Class outfitted with Tesla batteries. The rumors have not yet come to fruition, and the German automaker eventually sold its 4.3-percent stake in Tesla.