Mercedes-Benz has introduced the most efficient electric car

Every detail of the EQXX prototype helps for over 1000 km.

In recent weeks, Mercedes-Benz has systematically fueled interest in the EQXX prototype, which has been described as the “most efficient” electric car. Its appearance was announced in July last year, and then the company showed several images of the model.

Now the premiere of the model is a fact (because of the coronavirus it took place online), and Mercedes points out that this is not a design fantasy, but a fully functional prototype that will be used for test drives to prove its mileage of 1000 km with one charge. This result is according to the European WLTP standard, and many of EQXX’s technologies will be used for the brand’s future production models.

The prototype is built on the MMA platform, with a length of 4630 mm and a distance between the two axes – 2800 mm. The saloon is designed for four people, but the most impressive is the drive system. It has been developed for 18 months with the help of the teams of Mercedes’ Formula 1 and Formula E teams.

The end result is an engine with 204 hp, which consumes only 10 kW / h per 100 km (compared to most electric cars, this figure is 18-20 kW / h per 100 km). The useful capacity of the battery is 100 kW / h, and it is 50% smaller and 30% lighter than the EQS, weighing 495 kg. The total weight of the prototype is 1700 kg.

Aerodynamics have made a huge contribution to achieving a mileage of 1000 on a single charge. Mercedes engineers have managed to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.18, which is 0.02 better than that of the current EQS record holder. All sorts of tricks are used for this purpose – strongly inclined windshield, inclined roof line, air curtains, etc.

However, the designers have given up installing cameras instead of exterior mirrors, as they come with two monitors that will consume electricity. Plexiglas solar panels are installed on the roof of EQXX. They are opaque, which makes them more effective.

Strange as it may sound, the huge screen in the saloon, which combines the dashboard and infotainment system, also plays a role in saving energy. It is activated only as needed – on the passenger side or only in the middle, for example. The prototype also has a virtual assistant with artificial intelligence, which analyzes the state of the battery and environmental conditions (wind speed and temperature) and gives real-time advice on how to achieve more efficient driving.