Mercedes aims to make range anxiety a thing of the past with its new Vision EQXX concept, and its 1,000km range estimate.
The Stuttgart-based automaker has called on expertise from its Formula One division to develop a highly efficient and compact electric powertrain, with a lightweight battery housing.
What this translates into, is an impressive energy efficiency rating of 95%. To put this metric into context, a modern internal combustion engine achieves around 30% efficiency. This means that of all the available energy stored onboard, only 30% is translated into kinetic energy.
The 95% efficiency rating has been achieved through various battery optimisations, and is the result of the increased energy density of 200 Wh/kg. As such, despite packing the same 100kWh capacity as some of its rivals, the battery pack in the EQXX is 50% smaller and 30% lighter.
Onboard auxiliary systems can also draw power from a currently-underutilised resource – roof mounted solar cells. On a single day with ideal conditions, this can produce up to 25 kilometres extra range for long-distance journeys.
The advancements aren’t just limited to its powertrain.
Externally, you’d realise that this is a car that bears very little resemblance to other Mercedes-Benz models, with bodywork that has been designed with aerodynamics in mind. In fact, the EQXX has an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.17.
In further pursuit of efficiency, this bodywork is then sculpted out of lightweight composite materials.
On the inside, the Vision EQXX features a surprising mix of sustainable materials in its interior. Mushrooms, bamboo, cactus and vegan silk feature on the interior surfaces, highlighting that it is still possible to achieve the utmost in automotive luxury without using animal products.
As of yet, Mercedes has no intention of putting the Vision EQXX into production. However, do expect to see some of the technological advancements trickling down into production Mercedes Benz models in the not-too-distant future!
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Keyword: Bid Farewell To Range Anxiety In The New Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX