Mercedes-Benz will have at least 10 pure electric vehicles
in its lineup by 2022. Some will be electric versions of existing nameplates,
like the e-Sprinter van unveiled
earlier this year, while others will be new additions falling under the EQ
sub-brand of Daimler, Mercedes' parent company.
The first Mercedes EQ car was unveiled earlier in September
in the form of the 2020 EQC
small SUV. It will be followed next year by an EQA compact hatch and in
2020 by an EQS flagship sedan. The EQA was previewed
in concept form at the 2017 Frankfurt auto show while the EQS
was spotted in prototype form in
July.
Mercedes is basing its EQ cars on a modular platform for
electric cars known as the MEA, but the initial versions of the platform are
derived from existing Mercedes platforms. According to a report from Autocar published
Thursday, the EQS will be the first Mercedes based on a version of the MEA
platform designed exclusively for electric applications.
The EQC's version of the MEA platform, code-named MEA1, is
derived from the MHA platform of the GLC. This ensured that the EQC could be
built on the same production line as the GLC. It will be a similar case for the
EQA, whose MEA platform, code-named MEA1.5, will be derived from the MFA
platform underpinning Mercedes' latest compact cars.
However, compromises were made. For example, the EQC misses
out on a front trunk as its front electric motor needed to be positioned where
the internal combustion engine normally sits. Weight is also an issue, with the
EQC tipping the scales at 5,346 pounds. In comparison, the Jaguar I-Pace which
has a dedicated electric car platform weighs only 4,702 pounds.
With the EQS featuring a dedicated electric car platform,
code-named MEA2, designers will be able to tap all the benefits of EVs. Compact
electric motors at the front and rear axles plus a fully flat floor will boost
interior space and storage. The car will also have short overhangs front and
rear and a very low center of gravity. An insider told Autocar that
the EQS, which will be similar in size to a CLS, will benefit from “a whole new
dimension in interior packaging.”
Given the rapid advancement in battery technology, Mercedes
is keeping quiet on specs for its future electric cars. To be competitive, we'd
expect the EQS to offer a range between 250 and 300 miles on a single charge.
The vehicle will also probably feature an 800-volt electric system enabling it
to utilize ultra-fast charging.
Source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1118751_eqs-will-be-first-mercedes-based-on-fully-electric-platform
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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