Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX is solar cell electric vehicle with huge range and 47.5 inch 8K screen

The covers were removed from the Mercedes Vision EQXX at CES 2022, a new concept (or “road legal research prototype” as it’s called in official communications) that shows us how Mercedes envisions the future of electric cars. .

And it is Mercedes’ new concept EV lineup that is making headlines, with the German automaker claiming the Vision EQXX can travel over 1,000 km (over 620 miles) on a single charge – a leading figure on the market. Marlet.

To give you an idea of ​​how far you could theoretically travel on a single charge of the EQXX, the range equates to a drive from Berlin to Paris, New York to Cincinnati, Ohio, or Beijing to Nanjing.

According to Mercedes, based on the average distances traveled per year, Vision EQXX drivers in the US and China would – on average – only have to charge twice a month, while European drivers would typically only need to charge twice a month. recharge only once a month.

In addition, the firm claims to have put the energy of its flagship Mercedes-Benz EQS in the dimensions of a compact car, with this technological breakthrough aided by the know-how of the firm in Formula 1.

A concept close to design

Since it’s a concept, the electric vehicle won’t actually go on sale, but Mercedes says it’s very close to a production car, with a number of tech showcased here expected to catch on. in an electric car of the brand in 2024 or 2025..

During an exclusive press briefing with Daimler AG’s CTO for the Vision EQXX, Markus Schafer said that “a number of elements of the car are about to enter. [a] production [vehicle]. We are very close to a serious car that we will see in 2024. “

This includes its new battery technology with an extended range of the car, as well as the upgraded MBUX operating system splashed onto the gigantic screen inside the car.

Electric efficiency

Mercedes is keen to make its electric cars as efficient as possible, as Schafer explains. “We believe that autonomy matters to our customers and that efficiency matters. This program is focused on efficiency and reducing electricity consumption.

“Wanting to have the lowest possible consumption”, and the Vision EQXX certainly highlights that desire.

Battery chemists at Mercedes have succeeded in producing a battery with a capacity of 100 kW in a casing that is 50% smaller and 30% lighter than the comparable battery from the EQS.

This means that the development of electric vehicles is changing rapidly and smaller electric vehicles now have the possibility of enjoying increased range, which until now was mainly reserved for larger vehicles.

Another aspect that helps the Vision EQXX gain so much range is its aerodynamics. The EQS holds the world record as the world’s first production car with a Cd value of 0.20 (beating the Lucid Air with its score of 0.21), but the EQXX surpasses that value, with a drag coefficient of Cd 0.17.

There’s even a “lightweight F1 subframe” at play here, which Mercedes says “brings racing efficiency to the road”. That should translate into some pretty impressive acceleration and top speed stats, although Mercedes has yet to reveal what they are.

The Vision EQXX also features a retractable rear diffuser that deploys at high speed and 20-inch forged magnesium wheels.

All of this helps the Vision EQXX achieve its market-leading range of 1,000 km (around 620 miles) on a single charge, and it also supports fast charging that can travel 300 km (around 186 miles) in 15 minutes.

super solar

We’ve seen a number of electric car makers try out solar panels on their vehicles before, and the Vision EQXX joins the crowd with 117 solar cells on its roof.

Unlike other EV solar panel systems, the EQXX’s setup could be much more useful, with Mercedes claiming that the ultra-thin roof panels “can add up to 25 km (about 15 miles) of range on long-distance journeys in a day. “

Now that’s the absolute best case scenario under “ideal conditions,” but it’s significantly better than the 5-6 miles per day Hyundai cited on the solar-clad Ioniq 5.

The energy gained through the solar cells is stored in a separate battery, which is used to power the climate fan, lights, infotainment system and other auxiliaries – leaving more juice in the main battery for actual driving .

And this technology is not only reserved for the Vision EQXX concept, Schafer confirming that it will appear “in future vehicles”.

Substantial durability, oversized screen

Inside the Vision EQXX you’ll find a range of durable materials, from a verified alternative vegan leather made from mycelium in the details of the seat cushions to high-strength, biotech-based and certified silk fabric. vegan used for door pulls.

Meanwhile, the mats are made from 100% bamboo fibers and recycled PET bottles are among the cabin materials.

What dominates inside, however, is the screen used by Mercedes. This is the first time the company has offered a fully transparent display in a car – the EQS ‘”hyper-display” is actually three separate displays in a curved glass unit.

The Vision EQXX one-up hyper-display with its own 47.5-inch mini-LED display, which spans pillar to pillar, all over the dashboard, and features stunning 8K resolution.

On-screen you’ll find a real-time 3D navigation system, an enhanced ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant, and even an efficiency assistant to help you get the most out of your load.

As we said before, the Mercedes Vision EQXX is a concept electric car, so it will never hit the market.

However, the progress made here will translate into future Mercedes electric vehicles – whether it’s extended range, better battery efficiency, the introduction of more solar panels, or just screens. massive. There is something to be excited about.