Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX breaks its own efficiency record

The journey continues - on yet another long journey, the most economical Mercedes-Benz demonstrates even lower energy consumption - 8.3 kWh/100 km - and impressive thermal management.

Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX

1202 km in a summer trip on a single battery charge

The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX breaks its own world efficiency record with over 1,000 km on a single battery charge. After a record-breaking debut trip from Stuttgart to Cassis (France) in April this year. The research vehicle with the star has raised the bar on the uncharged 1,202km route from Stuttgart to Silverstone, UK.

Shortly after takeoff, due to a closed motorway, he had to make a detour and pass through a difficult section of local roads near Stuttgart. He later crossed the French border near Strasbourg, then crossed the north of France at highway speed and reached Calais, where he entered the Eurotunnel.

Continuing his journey through the UK, he rounded London on the M25 and made a stop at the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team in Brackley. Formula 1 and Formula E experts were already waiting for their help in developing an advanced powertrain. The VISION EQXX later made its way to Silverstone where it was handed over to guest rider Nick de Vries from the Netherlands. The Mercedes-EQ Formula E driver decided not to take the test car lightly - at the iconic British circuit, he accelerated it to a top speed of 140 km / h and drove it for 11 laps.

Throughout the journey - in heavy traffic and summer temperatures - the average energy consumption of the VISION EQXX was 8.3 kWh/100 km thanks to an innovative temperature management system.

VISION EQXX long-distance public road trips aim not only to demonstrate the effectiveness of applied solutions in various real-world traffic scenarios, but also to provide research and development experts with valuable data for the current development program.

“The journey continues – even further, even more efficiently! Once again, the VISION EQXX has proven that it can easily cover more than 1000 km on a single battery charge, this time in completely different real conditions. As Mercedes-Benz aims to be fully electric by 2030 wherever market conditions allow, it is important to show the world what can really be achieved by combining state-of-the-art technology, teamwork and determination,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for development and purchasing, as well as chief technology officer.

Once is not enough - VISION EQXX proves its true capabilities in a variety of conditions.

The proof of the success of the VISION EQXX appeared in April of this year. In its record-breaking debut, the research ship traveled 1,008 km from Stuttgart to Cassis on the French Mediterranean coast. With air temperatures ranging from 3 to 18 degrees Celsius in spring, it completed this route with an energy consumption of 8.7 kWh/100 km and a range of about 140 km. But once is not enough. In order to demonstrate the true capabilities in real conditions and to test the VISION EQXX equipment in a comprehensive way, as well as to take the development process to a new level, the engineering team has planned a series of trips.

Stay Cool - Innovative and Efficient Heat Management

This time, the route profile did not include colder temperatures or the demanding energy and recuperation scenarios associated with driving through the Alps. The main challenges during the trip to Silverstone were summer temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius combined with increased traffic around Stuttgart and the South East of England. Under such conditions, the innovative VISION EQXX heat management system was able to demonstrate its full potential.

The exceptional efficiency of the drive means it produces a minimum amount of waste heat. This is one of the reasons why the temperature control system can be made very compact and lightweight. Carefully designed interaction of air dampers, coolant valves and pumps ensures that the generating set maintains the most efficient temperature balance at the lowest energy cost. This concept combines innovative airflow management with a floor-mounted cooling plate that utilizes the airflow along the chassis of the VISION EQXX. Under normal conditions, this is the most aerodynamically efficient way to keep the actuator temperature low; as a result, in the most aerodynamic range, the vehicle's flight range is increased by about 2%.

High ambient temperatures and motorway traffic required proper cooling of the electric drive system and interior. However, the on-demand cooling system handled it all without much impact on range. Despite the warm summer weather, the VISION EQXX multifunctional heat pump has proven to be effective in keeping the room temperature low. During the 14 hours and 30 minutes of the trip, the air conditioning worked for just over 8 hours, but had a minimal negative impact on overall energy consumption.

Arrival at Silverstone - finish after overcoming 1202 km.

On the way to Silverstone, the VISION EQXX visited the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team headquarters in Brackley, where it was enthusiastically received by the team of Mercedes-AMG HPP and Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix experts who played a key role in its development. Working hand in hand with engineers from Stuttgart, the Formula 1 and Formula E specialists helped to reduce transmission losses and develop an entirely new, compact and lightweight battery pack.

On the last leg of the journey to Silverstone, Adam Allsopp, HPP's chief technology officer, took the wheel. And he noted the importance of performance at the circuit, which hosted the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1950:

“It is very important for me to bring this pioneer of electric cars of tomorrow to the place where the history of Formula 1 began, where we have seen and participated in many iconic races. Completing the journey from Stuttgart to Silverstone on a single charge with even lower power consumption truly represents a huge step forward in accelerating the development of the methods at the heart of our electrification strategy. Over the years, Mercedes motorsport activities have made a significant contribution here - and we are very proud of this, ”said Allsopp.

At the track, Formula E Mercedes-EQ driver Nick de Vries was looking forward to meeting the VISION EQXX. The 27-year-old Dutchman, who has won four Formula E victories in the past two seasons, has a lot of experience messing up a cutting-edge electric powertrain. There was no reduced tariff for the VISION EQXX - at every opportunity, I accelerated it on the legendary asphalt to a maximum, limited speed of 140 km / h. After 11 laps, he went down the pit lane with the last of his strength; Since the last charge, the odometer showed 1202 km.

“Driving the VISION EQXX is a real pleasure. I know what this team is capable of. And it is a real honor to drive such an amazing car on a historic race track,” says de Vries, adding with a smile: “And I can say that the interior is much more luxurious than the cockpit of a Formula E car.”

Another trip to the electric future after a weekend trip to the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

After a short recharge, the VISION EQXX continued on its way to the HPP headquarters in Brixworth, located 33 km away, where it spent the night, washed and fully charged in preparation for the next trip - the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The VISION EQXX appeared there along with other Mercedes icons from the past, present and future.

With two successful expeditions of more than 1,000 km each, the VISION EQXX has successfully proved that it is not for nothing that it is called the most economical Mercedes in history. But the story doesn't end there. Work is already underway to develop many VISION EQXX solutions for use in future production vehicles. For the team behind this, gathering invaluable data on daily operations, the most important question is: where to now?

VISION EQXX: travel magazine in numbers

• Start Stuttgart Untertürkheim - June 21, 2022 8:15 AM CEST
• Arrival at Silverstone - June 22, 2022 6:02 pm BST
• Route Untertürkheim - Reims - Calais - Brackley
• Distance traveled - 1202 km
• Total travel time - 14 hours 30 minutes
• Average speed - 83 km / h
• Maximum speed - 140 km / h
• Average energy consumption - 8.3 kWh per 100 km

VISION EQXX: the most important technical data at a glance

• Battery capacity kWh <100
• Rated voltage V>900
• Energy consumption kWh / 100 km - 8.3
• Kd coefficient - 0.17
• Frontal area m² - 2.12
• Power kW - 180
• Wheelbase mm - 2800
• Length / width / height mm - 4975/1870/1348
• Own weight kg - 1755

Photo: Mercedes-Benz