- a new mercedes-benz ev prototype called the eqxx is coming soon and promises a driving range of over 620 miles per charge.
- it will use an energy-dense battery and should be highly aerodynamic to maximize efficiency.
- mercedes says this technology will be used in a future production compact ev model.
mercedes-benz is preparing to launch a new ev prototype called the eqxx to push the boundaries of ev driving range. the company claims that the eqxx will be able to go more than 620 miles on a single charge using new, more energy-dense battery technology and an aerodynamic shape to maximize efficiency. the company also stresses that it hasn't simply increased the size of the battery pack in order to increase range, promising that the pack will be offered in a compact production model in the future.
efficiency is the ultimate goal of the eqxx, as mercedes is aiming for it to achieve 6 miles per kwh at highway speeds, or somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 mpge. at that rate of efficiency, the battery would still need to be larger than 100.0-kwh in order to achieve those big range numbers benz is claiming. preview images don't show much, but we expect the eqxx to have a highly aerodynamic shape and be low to the ground.
currently, mercedes-benz's longest-range model is the eqs sedan, which claims a range of 435 miles on the european testing cycle from its 107.8-kwh battery. we don't yet have a u.s.-specific epa range rating for the eqs, but this model is scheduled to come to our shores soon. the tesla model s long range is rated at 405 miles by the epa, and we achieved 320 miles in our 75-mph real-world highway test.
look for more information to come on the eqxx within the next few months as mercedes reveals more about this experimental model.