Mercedes-Benz has revealed a new all-electric concept car, the Vision EQXX, that the automaker claims has a range of 620 miles.
“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 kilometers. It has a range of more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) 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,” said Ola Källenius, chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG.
The estimated 620-mile range is based on digital simulations using real-life traffic conditions, the company said.
Rather than simply increasing the size of the battery, the team focused on maximizing long-distance efficiency, the designers said, pulling out all the stops in drivetrain efficiency, energy density, aerodynamics and lightweight design. The outcome of the project will be a road-legal research prototype.
The design is highlighted by improved efficiency within the drivetrain, the company said, achieving a benchmark efficiency of 95% from battery to wheels. The battery pack in the VISION EQXX holds almost 100 kWh of energy yet has 50% less volume and is 30% lighter than the Mercedes-Benz EQS, which has an estimated range of 422 miles. A team of Mercedes-Benz engineers worked with High Performance Powertrains (HPP) and Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix (MGP) to engineer the electric drivetrain and lightweight battery case.
The exterior was also designed to reduce drag and is combined with ultra-low-rolling-resistance tires with optimized aerodynamic geometry and lightweight magnesium wheels for increased range. Additional weight savings were gained using lightweight materials throughout the design, including the sub-chassis.
