Mercedes-Benz Concept EV Just Traveled 747 Miles Without Running Out Of Battery
Image via Mercedes-Benz
What leaves drivers most apprehensive about going electric is the fear that their cars would run out of juice before they find a charging station. Mercedes-Benz is envisioning future drives that wouldn’t be this unpredictable. Back in April, its experimental ‘Vision EQXX’ car set out on its maiden journey from Stuttgart, Germany, to Cassis, France, and covered an impressive 626 miles on a single charge.
Most recently, the car literally went the distance and beat its own record, departing from Stuttgart, Germany, and arriving in Silverstone, the UK—a summer road trip that stretched 747 miles without further charging.
According to Insider, this drive exceeds the capabilities of the longest-range electric cars on the market. In comparison, the popular Tesla Model S can reach a little over 400 miles on one charge.
The concept model is this efficient thanks to its aerodynamic and lightweight design, which includes a teardrop silhouette and cooling system that keeps heat at a minimum. Further, its battery has the same 100 kWh capacity as the EQS luxury sedan but with half the size and 70% the weight.
Image via Mercedes-Benz
Impressively, the air-conditioning was on during eight of the 14.5 hours that the Vision EQXX was on the move, so comfort wasn’t compromised.
Even though it beat its past record, the Vision EQXX weathered an even more challenging journey this time. In contrast with the cooling ride back in spring, it handled temperatures going as high as 86°F enroute to Silverstone. Traffic was also busier in the UK, and the car didn’t have the luxury of resting by the Alps.
The EV still had some power at its destination, so Dutch Mercedes-EQ Formula E driver Nyck de Vries took it for a spin.
The Vision EQXX remains a proof of concept to demonstrate that Mercedes-Benz’s future EVs could be this formidable. It also represents the automaker’s goal of going all-electric by 2030.
[via Insider and CNET, images via Mercedes-Benz]
