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The Mercedes-Benz EQXX EV technology demonstrator sets a new precedent in EV range by completing a grueling 627.6-mile (more than 1,000 km) road trip across the Arabian Peninsula on a single charge of its 100 kWh battery pack.
Very much a concept vehicle for now, the Vision EQXX is powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous motor, producing around 240 horsepower and capable of a 0-62 mph sprint time of around 6.8 seconds.
Although very impressive, the car was designed and developed with maximum range in mind, so it has an aerodynamic exterior style and is equipped with 117 solar cells on the roof that support the high-voltage electrical system.
According to Mercedes engineers, the solar system collected 1.8 kWh of solar energy on the long trip, equivalent to an additional 15 miles of electric driving range.
It’s not the longest route the EQXX has managed, having previously traveled from Stuttgart to Silverstone (1202 km or 746.89 miles), but this trip involved both densely populated urban traffic and Riyadh, making it arguably the most rigorous test of any EV. It will. Dubai, driving through a very hot desert on dusty and sub-optimal open roads.
Moreover, the German automaker said the purpose of the trip was “to maximize efficiency in all areas and review system performance in extreme desert conditions.” This meant relying on an intelligent cooling system to keep both the drivetrain and cabin cool when exposed to prolonged heat of up to 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 degrees Fahrenheit).
The air conditioning was on for the duration of the trip, highlighting that Mercedes’ heavily reworked heat pump and thermal management system has “minimal negative impact on energy efficiency”.
This system, which was also recently integrated into the Concept CLA Class (unveiled at last year’s IAA Mobility), will likely be featured in the German brand’s future EVs and could significantly increase driving range.
Danger risk, high mileage
Mercedes-Benz said the record’s average travel speed was 49.3 mph, a very impressive figure considering the concept vehicle had to navigate heavy traffic in Riyadh and Dubai. This clearly wasn’t a snail’s pace marathon to post impressive economy figures despite the vehicle only reaching 87mph.
But the EQXX is clearly a technology demonstrator, with a very nice body (0.17 coefficient of drag) and valuable onboard technology to help get the most out of the battery pack.
But according to Mercedes-Benz, it demonstrates “a road-ready example of luxurious, sustainable electric efficiency” while also improving technology that will likely be carried over to much more affordable and achievable Merc models in the near future. .
As EVs begin to approach 620 miles on a single charge, range anxiety will become a mere footnote in the history of electric vehicle uptake.