The Mercedes-Benz EQXX EV technology demonstrator has just set a new precedent in electric vehicle range by tackling 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.
The Vision EQXX, which for now is largely a concept vehicle, is powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous motor, which produces around 240 hp and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in about 6, 8 seconds.
Quite impressive, but this car has been designed and developed with maximum range in mind and, as such, includes very striking, aerodynamic exterior styling and 117 solar cells on the roof, which support the high-voltage electrical system.
According to Mercedes engineers, the solar system collected 1.8 kWh of solar energy on the epic road trip, equivalent to an additional 15 miles of electric range.
Although this is not the longest route the EQXX has undertaken, having previously traveled from Stuttgart to Silverstone (1,202 km or 746.89 miles), it is undoubtedly the most grueling test of any electric vehicle, as the trip included both the densely populated urban traffic in Riyadh and Dubai, as well as intensely hot desert driving on open, dusty roads and often in suboptimal conditions.
Additionally, the German automaker states that the goal of the trip was to “maximize efficiency in all areas and examine system performance in extreme desert conditions.” That meant relying on the intelligent cooling system to keep both the powertrain and cabin cool when exposed to prolonged periods of 34-degree Celsius (93.2 Fahrenheit) heat.
The air conditioning was on for the entire trip, highlighting that Mercedes' heavily redesigned heat pump and thermal management system have a “minimal negative impact on energy efficiency,” according to its manufacturer.
This system, which was also integrated into the recent Concept CLA Class (presented at the IAA Mobility last year) seems to be included in future electric vehicles from the German brand and could considerably increase autonomy.
Danger danger, high mileage.
Mercedes-Benz says the average moving speed of the record was 49.3 mph, which is tremendously impressive given the fact that the concept vehicle had to crawl through heavy traffic in both Riyadh and Dubai. Clearly, this was no snail-paced marathon to post impressive economy figures, even though the vehicle topped out at just 147mph.
However, the EQXX is clearly a technology demonstrator with highly sophisticated bodywork (a drag coefficient of just 0.17) and invaluable onboard technology to help make the most of its battery packs.
But while this demonstrates an “example of luxurious and sustainable electrical efficiency,” according to Mercedes-Benz, it will also refine technology that is very likely to be carried over to much more affordable and attainable Merc models in the very near future. .
If EVs can start going close to 620 miles on a single charge, range anxiety will become a mere footnote in the history of EV adoption.
