Mercedes Vision EQXX Charts New Efficiency Record at 7.4 kWh/100 KM

The sleek Mercedes Vision EQXX EV concept has charted a new long range efficiency record.

In a pursuit for better energy efficiency, Mercedes-Benz has once again tested its sleek Vision EQXX EV concept on a long-distance drive. This time around, the efficiency test took place in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula, as the Three-Pointed Star marque wanted to prove that EVs can go the distance, even in the hot and arid desert climate.

The Vision EQXX has clocked in a total distance of 1,010 KM, while charting a new efficiency record of 7.4 kWh/100 KM in the same process.

During the test, the Vision EQXX made a long trip from the Mercedes-Benz Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, all the way to the Mercedes-Benz Brand Centre in Dubai, UAE, clocking in a total of 1,010 KM in about 12 hours and 45 minutes. Despite harrowing through hot temperatures of around 34 degrees Celsius, the EV concept managed to break its own previous efficiency record, capping at only 7.4 kWh/100 KM throughout its desert-trotting journey. 

Not only is this figure less than what the EQXX previously achieved during its longest drive ever from Germany to England, but the EV concept also had around 309 KM of range left in its 100-kWh battery pack by the time it reached Dubai. Should all conditions remain optimal, the Vision EQXX could have gone nearly 1,319 KM in one single charge.

Apart from garnering the EQXX bragging rights, the results from this long-distance drive testing also provide essential information and data for Mercedes-Benz engineers, helping them to maximise the efficiency of their EVs.

The Vision EQXX made use of its heat pump to help cool down both the cabin and the battery pack.

It’s a well-known fact that extreme temperatures, whether cold or hot, can have a significant impact on the EV range, which may be a concern for some customers living in certain parts of the world. To alleviate this effect on the EQXX, the EV concept made use of a heat pump to cool the cabin, which Mercedes claims had nearly no negative impact on range.

Besides managing the battery temperature, the Vision EQXX also benefited from the 117 solar cells equipped with it. On this drive alone, the solar cells have harvested a total of 1.8 kWh of energy, supplying the EQXX with an extra 24 KM of range. Although this may seem minute, Mercedes-Benz says it is working on getting this feature into some of its production EVs in the near future.

The long-drive test also provides the opportunity for Mercedes engineers to fine-tune their intelligent driving assistant. In the Vision EQXX’s case, drivers will get suggestions from the driving system on how to drive more efficiently, taking minute yet significant factors like crosswinds into account to help them get the most out of the battery. The system even goes as far as suggesting drivers the best parking spot to help maximise solar charging based on the sun’s angle and direction.

“The Vision EQXX continues to provide valuable data for the ongoing development of advanced electric efficiency technologies,” said Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schafer. “As expected, all systems performed perfectly in the desert conditions, handling challenges such as road surface finish and temperature as well as dust with ease. Further proof that electric drive is ready for global markets.”