Mercedes-Benz’s much-hyped electric car concept
has finally made its 2016 Paris auto show debut.
Like Volkswagen’s
own I.D. concept on display in Paris, the star of Mercedes’ stand
previews the first of the automaker’s next-generation electric cars.
The concept is called the Generation EQ, and as previously
reported the “EQ” in the name is the badging that Mercedes will use to denote
its future electric cars. It apparently stands for “Electric Intelligence.”
Individual models are expected to be called EQC or EQS, with the last letter
denoting the car’s positioning in the Mercedes model hierarchy.
Mercedes, of course, is not new to the electric game.
It was an early investor of Tesla [NSDQ:TSLA] and has been offering electric
cars for several years, though these have been niche products limited to a
handful of markets. The list includes the Electric Drive versions of the Smart ForTwo, B-Class and SLS AMG.
With Tesla taking electric cars mainstream, every automaker
worth its salt is racing to offer rival products. The production version of the
Generation EQ will be launched before the end of the decade to take on not only
the Tesla Model X but also Audi’s planned Q6
e-tron. (We're hearing in 2018 or 2019.) It will then be followed by a
handful of electric Mercedes models, all based on a modular
“skateboard” platformwhere the batteries are stored in the floor and an
electric motor is mounted at one or both axles. Mercedes previewed the platform
at a tech briefing in June.
In the Generation EQ, there are two electric motors
delivering a combined output of approximately 400 horsepower. They form a
“through-the-road” all-wheel-drive system and should offer brisk performance,
especially thanks to the more than 516 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes quotes a
0-60 mph time of less than 5.0 seconds.
Powering those motors is a lithium-ion battery sourced from
Deutsche Accumotive, a battery company owned by Mercedes’ parent company
Daimler. Deutsche Accumotive already has a battery factory up and running and
is extending
this in preparation for Mercedes’ next-generation electric cars.
Mercedes says the production version of the Generation EQ will have more than
70 kilowatt-hours and range of at least 300 miles on a single charge.
Charging can be done via a high-speed “wallbox” installed in
the garage or using wireless inductive charging. The latter will debut on the 2018
Mercedes-Benz S550e plug-in hybrid. Currently, charging capacities from 50
to 150 kilowatts are possible. In the medium to long term, a charging capacity
of even up to 300 kw is planned. (Known as Combined Charging System, or CCS for
short.) With the latter, you could add around 60 miles of range in 5 minutes.
It’s not just the technology of Mercedes’ next-generation
electric cars being previewed here. So is the exterior and interior concepts.
For the exterior, Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener says the goal was to
combine the elegant lines of typical Mercedes design with a distinctive, modern
look that suggests electric power. Wagener referred to this as an
“electro-look.”
This was done by streamlining the body—you’ll notice there’s
no grille, side mirrors or door handles—and adding numerous LED detailing.
Meanwhile, an intentionally reduced side view, broad shoulders and large
21-inch wheels give a dynamic look.
Inside, the designers wanted a driver-oriented cockpit with
simple, touch-based controls with the same electro-look as the exterior.
Dominating the dash is a floating wide-screen display that provides vital
driving information as well as serving as the main hub for the infotainment
system. The rest of the cabin resembles a classy lounge and includes additional
screens to keep occupants entertained.
It goes without saying that the Generation EQ concept also
features the latest driving aids from Mercedes, which rely on highly
accurate maps from HERE. For example, the systems know such things as the
precise position and radius of a roundabout. Mercedes’ upcoming electric cars
won’t be able to drive completely on their own but in some situations should
have self-driving capability, such as on the highway or in heavy traffic.
The Generation EQ has the ability to display the highly
accurate maps.This makes it possible, for example when searching for points of
interest, for restaurants, shopping opportunities and tourist attractions to be
especially highlighted. So that the driver isn’t overloaded, only those
buildings and information that are relevant for navigation are
displayed.
The concept also integrates vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and
vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) technology. The latter is particularly
important as it is helpful for the driver to be informed about nearby
recharging opportunities. As soon as the vehicle determines that the
destination cannot be reached on the available battery charge, it advises the
driver of appropriate options on the navigation map.
Germany’s automakers are rushing to launch new electric cars
due to the improvements made to battery technology in recent years as well as
more generous incentive programs, particularly in China. The Volkswagen Group
wants 30 electric cars in its lineup by 2025. Many of these will be Audis, with
the brand with the four rings targeting as much as 25 percent of its sales to
be electric cars by that date.
source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1106380_mercedes-previews-first-of-eq-electric-cars-with-suv-concept
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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