Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled a concept vehicle that showcases the technologies used to surpass the magical 1,000 km range in an electric vehicle.
A slippery shape is important for efficiency and as such, the Mercedes Vision EQXX has an incredibly slippery shape, defined by a Coefficient of drag (Cd) value of just 0.17. This ground-breaking figure surpasses the company’s earlier Mercedes EQS premium EV Cd value of 0.20 which is the current record for production vehicles, and even smoother than an American football measured to be in the region of 0.18 to 0.20.
A retractable rear diffuser on the McLaren Speedtail-like tail is deployed only at higher speeds when the air resistance becomes very pronounced.
When viewed from the top, a teardrop shape tightening towards the rear can be seen, as Mercedes-Benz has deliberated made the rear axle 50 mm narrower compared to the front, all in the name of aerodynamic efficiency.
Lower vehicle weight is also a necessity for increased in driving range, and this is where the price to pay to go further starts escalating. The bodyshell showcases the advancements in technology, produced with 100% scrap using an electric-arc furnace technique.
The doors of the EQXX meanwhile are made from a hybrid of carbon-fibre and glass-fibre reinforced plastics with aluminium reinforcements. The rear floor of the concept meanwhile features Mercedes-Benz latest innovation called ‘BIONEQXX’ aluminium-casted structure.
Instead of carbon-ceramic brake discs, the Mercedes Vision EQXX comes with aluminium brake discs and this material is chosen as brake dust emissions are reduced by up to 90%. Another unique technology only found in this concept is the advanced glass-fibre reinforced plastic springs all in the name to reduce overall mass.
At an estimated 1,750 kg, the Vision EQXX is a whopping 900 kg lighter than the Mercedes EQS and other high-performance EVs such as the Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S and the Audi e-tron!
Moving to the powertrain, everything in the Vision EQXX is bespoke and the development team worked energetically together with its top motorsports colleagues from the Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) as well as the Formula E team.
The electrical architecture features a higher-than-average voltage value of over 900 volts, with a large 100 kWh battery pack that is as powerful as the EQS but some 50% smaller in dimension and 30% lighter. This results in a remarkable energy density of 400 Wh/L and a weight of under 500 kg.
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The rear-mounted electric drive unit with approximately 150 kW (204 hp) is a dedicated unit consisting of the electric motor, transmission and power electronics featuring a new generation of silicon carbides. Technology from the upcoming Mercedes-AMG Project ONE hypercar is also seen in the power electronics.
The technical team has designed the powertrain (battery, motor, transmission etc) to deliver 95% efficiency, meaning 95% of the energy from the battery ends up at the wheels. As such, the 20-inch Turanza Eco tyres provided by Bridgestone with ‘ENLITEN’ and ‘ologic’ technologies are carefully selected to transmit all that efficiency to the ground.
Adam Allsopp, the Advanced Technology Director from HPP said the battery management system and power electronics have been designed with an absolute focus on reducing losses. The new battery also sees new chemistry of the anodes with higher silicon content and advanced composition.
With a range of over 1,000 km, the Mercedes Vision EQXX can start a journey from Cycle & Carriage Bintang in Johor Bahru, travel northwards without any recharge and arrive at Hat Yai and Songkhla, Thailand, with some range still left!
Passengers will also experience a new level of bio- and nature-based comfort, with seats upholstered from animal-free simulated leather material called Desserttex and Mylo, a material that originated from mycelium, which is the underground rootlike structure of mushrooms. Bamboo fibres are used for carpets to line the floor of the Mercedes Vision EQXX. These materials are not only sustainable but lightweight too.
Other key technologies in the Vision EQXX include clever software and artificial intelligence as well as a solar-charging roof panel that adds up to 25 km of range, as the power generated is stored in a dedicated battery to drive the accessories, reducing the burden on the main battery.
In the US, the Lucid Air Dream Edition Range with 933 hp holds the unofficial title of the furthest range for an EV at 837 km (520 miles), as certified by the US EPA, while the aforementioned Mercedes EQS has a variant configured to deliver up to 770 km of range under the WLTP standard.
Meanwhile, one of the vehicles with the shortest range on sale in Malaysia today is the MINI Cooper SE at just 232 km priced at RM217,470. Mazda’s MX-30 will takeover that honour with just a range of 200 km, as Bermaz Auto has hinted at the intention to bring in a variety of EVs thanks to the government’s incentive under Budget 2022.
GALLERY
