Mercedes’ Radical Vision EQXX Shows Novel EV Ways Forward
It has a 620-mile range, but Vision EQXX is way more than just a battery breakthrough.
Battery cars are all the rage these days, that much is for sure. No matter which way one turns, there’s some or other major news about electric cars at every opportunity. But this one’s significant. Meet Mercedes-Benz’s sublime new Vision EQXX. The company reckons the average American driver would only need recharge it twice a month.
Developed Together with Merc’s F1 Gurus
Developed in conjunction with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, which builds its Formula 1 V6 turbo-hybrid power units, the hyper-efficient EV saloon uses Stuttgart’s next-generation EV drivetrain to demonstrate several significant technological breakthroughs. More importantly however, Vision EQXX takes a long, hard look outside the box in search of that holy grail of optimal EV range and fast charging.
The 1750 kg C-Class sized rear-wheel-drive saloon’s radical and bespoke lithium-ion battery pack is rated at just under 100 kW. Which should charge it up for 200 miles in 15 minutes. It uses cells from Chinese specialist CATL and is half the size and a third lighter than the EQS’s 108 kWh pack. Operating at more than 900 V, the high-silicon battery features active cell balancing to draw energy evenly from each cell and enhance cruising efficiency.
Boasting a record low 0.18Cd aerodynamic drag coefficient, the concept uses a lightweight BionEQXX cast aluminum construction process. That takes cues from organic forms to boost strength only in areas where structural loads are in play. Add super-lightweight magnesium wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires and aluminum brake discs to slash unsprung mass too.
Finding Ways Forward Beyond Packing More Batteries In
The aerodynamically supreme concept previews trick future EV tech to boost range without simply installing bigger, heavier batteries at every given opportunity. Mercedes suggests a 620-mile range (or over 1000 kilometers in metric speak), which is 167 miles more than its current flagship EQS EV. And 220 miles more than a Tesla Model S. Its 6.2 miles per kilowatt hour efficiency is equivalent to over 282 mpg in a gasoline car. And almost double the Mercedes-Benz EQS on the WLTP cycle.
There’s far more to it than just a trick new battery though. 117 solar cells in the roof up range by up to 16 miles on a sunny day. A new thermal system saves significant energy by using warmth from the drivetrain to heat the cabin. And a cooling plate uses airflow to cool the underbody of the car. EQXX meets German regulations for a 4-passenger car and uses a version Merc’s MBUX infotainment system with a radical new wide screen.
The running and driving Vision EQXX was conceived to challenge existing EV principles by hatching new ideas, processes and innovations for future EVs. Mercedes tech boss Markus Schäfer confirmed that the concept is basically production ready. “You can have a spin with it in a few months,” he promised. “We will see a series car with all these ingredients to make it one of the most efficient electric vehicles that exists, by 2024.”
EQXX Brings New Ideas in Many Areas
While it refuses to turn its back on combustion engines, Mercedes-Benz remains hell-bent on taking and maintaining the upper hand in battery cars too, alongside its ever more efficient ICE vehicles. At first sight, this Vision EQXX concept must be seen as a major step forward for EVs. It brings new ideas in many areas, while concentrating on what the future car owner will need, rather than what they may want.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz