If range and efficiency are going to be defining factors for electric vehicles in the future, Mercedes-Benz is planning to set the benchmark with its VISION EQXX.
An exceptional range will make electric cars suitable for every journey and help to increase overall adoption, while reduced battery size and weight will improve efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz has already achieved a range of 422 miles on one charge with its EQS 450+, which is 77 miles more than any other car previously tested.
VISION EQXX demonstrates the gains that are possible through rethinking the fundamentals from the ground up. This includes advances across all elements of its cutting-edge electric drivetrain as well as the use of lightweight engineering and sustainable materials.
The result is an efficiency masterpiece that, based on internal digital simulations in real-life traffic conditions, will be capable of exceeding 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) on a single charge with an energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres.
The 10 kWh of electrical energy to travel 100 km is a key figure. Translated into fossil-fuel consumption, this is around the golden figure of 1 litre per 100 kilometres. That’s the amount of electricity needed to run an average domestic air conditioner for around three hours, or watching a 50-inch LED TV for 100 hours.
If it works out as per plans, Mercedes’ new offering will beat the 830-kilometer range announced in September 2021 by Lucid Air Dream edition.
Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, said: “The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is how we imagine the future of electric cars. Just one-and-a-half years ago, we started this project leading to the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built – with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. It has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres on a single charge using a battery that would fit even into a compact vehicle.
“The VISION EQXX is an advanced car in so many dimensions – and it even looks stunning and futuristic. With that, it underlines where our entire company is headed: We will build the world’s most desirable electric cars.”
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement, said: “As a halo car, the VISION EQXX firmly establishes Mercedes-Benz as the brand that pairs luxury with technology in the automotive world and beyond. And the way we developed it is as revolutionary as the vehicle itself.
“VISION EQXX has seen the best minds from our R&D centers work together with engineers from our Formula 1 and Formula E programs. They are proving that innovations from motorsport – where powertrains are already highly electrified – have immediate relevance for road car development. We are challenging current development processes with innovative spirit and outside-the-box thinking. This truly is the way forward.”
The Vision EQXX is a lightweight car (1,750 kg) and Mercedes Benz has claimed that with a drag coefficient of cd 0.17, it is more aerodynamic than a football (cd of 0.18 to 0.2).
The car will come with ultra-thin roof panels that feed the battery system for approximately 25 kilometres of extra range.
VISION EQXX: Main points
Efficiency engineering achievements deliver an astounding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 km
New system designed and built in-house – it achieves benchmark efficiency of 95% from battery to wheels
More than 1,000 km on a single charge on public roads
Battery pack holds almost 100 kWh of energy, yet has 50% less volume and is 30% lighter than the already benchmark pack in EQS
Innovative recycled and plant-based materials remove waste from landfill and lower carbon footprint
Engineers worked with the world’s fastest race lab at High Performance Powertrains (HPP) and Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix (MGP) to engineer a highly efficient and compact electric drivetrain and lightweight battery case
Inspired by natural forms, engineers used advanced digital tools to lower weight and reduce waste by removing excess material assisted by 3D printing
Lightweight brake discs made from aluminum alloy help keep weight down
Ultra-thin roof panels feed the battery system for up to 25 km of extra range
Software-driven approach key to success in achieving efficiency goals and a rapid development process, including groundbreaking battery management system
In July last year, Mercedes-Benz had announced it was shifting from electric-first to electric-only, and that it would go all-electric by the end of the decade. By 2022, it would have battery electric vehicles in all segments the company serves.
