Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX has a 621 Mile Electric Range
The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX debuts as the most efficient Mercedes model ever that can achieve an electric range of 621 miles on a single charge. The goal was to build an electric car with new technologies that will trickle down to other electric Mercedes models. The Vision EQXX is not just a design concept but is actually a street legal car than can be driven on public roads. However, it will not go into production. Mercedes does plan to test the 621 mile range by taking the Vision EQXX on a road trip across Europe.
Efficiency
With output of around 150 kW, the super-efficient electric drivetrain in the Vision EQXX provides the power and stamina underpinning this exceptional long-distance runner. The team set out to create an electric drivetrain with a world-beating combination of efficiency, energy density and lightweight engineering. The result is 95% efficiency. That means up to 95% of the energy from the battery ends up at the wheels. In comparison, just 30% reaches the wheels from even the most efficient ICE drivetrain.
Battery
Rather than simply increasing the size of the battery, Mercedes-Benz developed a completely new battery pack for the Vision EQXX. This allowed them to achieve a remarkable energy density of close to 400 Wh/l. This benchmark figure is what made it possible to fit a battery pack with just under 100 kWh of usable energy into the compact dimensions of the Vision EQXX.
Heat Management
The exceptional efficiency of the electric drive unit in the Vision EQXX means it generates only minimal waste heat. This helps keep the thermal management system extremely small and lightweight. The carefully engineered interaction of aero-shutters, coolant valves and water pumps ensures the electric drive unit, comprising the power electronics, electric motor and transmission, maintains the most efficient temperature balance at minimum energy cost.
In addition, the innovative heat pump in the Vision EQXX sucks up heat generated by the drive system and from the ambient air outside to keep the cabin cosy. Its impressive efficiency is a major boost for battery range in colder parts of the world.
Solar Power
The electric system that powers many of the ancillaries in the Vision EQXX draws additional energy from 117 solar cells on the roof. It was developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE – Europe’s largest solar energy research institute. The net result of reducing the energy drain on the high-voltage system is an increase in range. On a single day and under ideal conditions, this can add up to 25 miles of range on long-distance journeys.
Aerodynamics
A huge amount of work went into integrating the painstaking passive and active aerodynamic features into the external form of the Vision EQXX. The surfaces run smoothly from the front, developing powerful yet sensual shoulders above the rear wheel arches. This natural flow concludes with a cleanly defined, aerodynamically effective tear-off edge accentuated by a gloss-black end trim, punctuated by the rear light clusters.
Wheels & Tires
For the Vision EQXX Mercedes-Benz engineers worked in cooperation with Bridgestone. Together, they took advantage of Bridgestone’s Turanza Eco tyre combined with lightweight and environmentally friendly ENLITEN and ologic technology enabling ultra-low-rolling-resistance. The tire design also features aerodynamically optimized sidewalls to match the covers mounted on the 20‑inch, lightweight, forged-magnesium wheels.
Interior
Marking the launch of a new, super-purist design style, the Vision EQXX represents a new expression of efficiency in interior design. In a departure from the conventional design approach, the interior layout focuses on just a few modules and the beautiful simplicity of lightweight design. This is expressed through the absence of complex shapes and the integration of lightweight structures into the interior aesthetic in a wholly organic way, making traditional trim elements superfluous.
Furthermore, the interior features high-strength, biotechnology-based and certified-vegan silk-like fabric, a verified vegan leather alternative, an animal-free leather alternative called Deserttex®, and 100% bamboo fiber.
Price and Release Date
As we mentioned above, the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX will not go into production. However, it is a real car that can be driven on public roads. Mercedes will test the 621 mile range by driving the Vision EQXX across Europe. Expect technologies developed for the Vision EQXX to trickle down into upcoming electric Mercedes vehicles.
Image Gallery
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