Mercedes-Benz Drivetrains & Efficiency: The future of driving starts now
Efficiency is the new currency – with this guiding principle, Mercedes-Benz is driving the transformation of the automotive world. With pioneering technologies, sustainable concepts and innovative Drivetrains & Efficiency, the inventor of the automobile is redefining its leading role in the mobility of the future.
Electrification: Vision EQXX and the one-liter electric car
It only exists once, but the Vision EQXX points the way to the future of electric mobility at Mercedes. The MMA architecture (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) is based on the ground-breaking technology of the VISION EQXX, which sets new standards. With a range of over 750 kilometers (WLTP) and an energy consumption of just 12 kWh/100 km, Mercedes-Benz is bringing the vision of a one-liter electric car within reach.
Also impressive is the future electric CLA, which completed a world record journey of 3,717 kilometers in just 24 hours – at an average speed of 154.9 km/h including 40 charging times of just 10 minutes each. These achievements show that extreme efficiency and high dynamics go hand in hand at Mercedes-Benz.
The 800-volt system used for the first time maximizes efficiency by achieving an efficiency of up to 93 percent from the battery to the wheel. It also enables ultra-fast charging: Energy for a range of up to 300 kilometers can be recharged in just ten minutes – a new benchmark in electromobility.
Technological highlights and test centers
Behind the technological advances is a comprehensive network of state-of-the-art test facilities. The Electric Software Hub (ESH) in Sindelfingen combines software, hardware and system testing under one roof. High-tech test facilities such as fully automated test benches – including “James”, an autonomous test robot, and “Erika”, the control unit – simulate real driving conditions long before the first prototypes hit the road. It is currently the CLA that is undergoing these 24/7 tests.
Mercedes-Benz is also setting standards in aerodynamics. The new CLA models adopt the sophisticated aerodynamic properties of the test vehicles in order to further optimize efficiency and range.
Hybrid technology: a bridge to the future
One thing is also clear for Mercedes: the mobile future is electric. Nevertheless, there are many skeptics of this development. The upcoming hybrid models from Mercedes-Benz are intended for these customers. They combine proven combustion technology with modern electrification:
- An electric motor integrated into the gearbox with up to 20 kW of power enables purely electric driving in the city and efficient sailing at speeds of up to 100 km/h.
- The highly efficient four-cylinder engine of the M 252 series offers up to 140 kW of power and meets the highest standards of efficiency and driving pleasure.
- Variants of the 8F-eDCT dual-clutch transmission guarantee seamless transitions between electric and hybrid driving modes.
Sustainability and customer convenience
Mercedes-Benz pursues a holistic approach to sustainability:
- The new batteries are designed to provide a longer service life.
- A modular design facilitates repairs and replacement.
- The proportion of cobalt has been drastically reduced, which has cut the production costs of the batteries by 30 percent.
Advanced battery technology and
pioneering technologies for everyday life
The top version of the battery with 85 kWh capacity offers 20 percent higher energy density thanks to innovative silicon oxide anodes. Less expensive lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are also designed for durability and efficiency, are available for entry-level models. Mercedes-Benz guarantees a residual capacity of at least 70 percent for eight years or 160,000 kilometers.
In addition to technical innovations, Mercedes-Benz also offers convenience and user-friendliness. The integration of bidirectional charging(vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid) turns vehicles into energy storage units that can absorb and feed back surplus electricity from renewable sources. An air-side heat pump uses waste heat from the drive and battery as well as ambient air to maximize range even in cold regions.
Conclusion: With a clear focus on efficiency, comfort and sustainability, Mercedes-Benz is bringing the mobility of tomorrow to life today. The message is clear: the future belongs to the three-pointed star – and it is electrified!
