The Vision EQXX: Mercedes-Benz’s Newest Electric Concept Car

Posted 6/20/22

Back in July, Mercedes made the somewhat surprising announcement that they are planning on making their entire lineup of cars electric by 2030. Though undoubtedly a better idea for the environment, it does bring up the question of just what an all electric lineup would look like for one of the world’s foremost luxury car brands. And in their brand new Vision EQXX concept car, we can begin to see what such a future will look like.

An Electric Car Redesigned from the Ground Up

While humanity has been making cars for almost 150 years, electric vehicles are still relatively in their infancy. This made Mercedes decide to take a look at what can be changed on a standard internal combustion car—other than just the guts—to make it better for an electric vehicle. This involved looking at nearly every aspect of the car, from the materials used to build the car itself, to its shape, to the form and function of the batteries, and the way that heat is managed.

Mercedes claims that all of these updates will allow the Vision to drive well over 600 miles on a single charge. The batteries have the same capacity as Mercedes’ electric EQS, but are a heck of a lot smaller and lighter. A higher silicon content in the batteries and a more efficient structure for the cells allows for this improvement. Additional power for the car is also collected through the use of some solar cells that are linked to a separate battery. Though not producing enough electricity to drive the car, it is designed to take excess strain off of the main engine, and power things like the windows, the infotainment system and the headlights.

Another way the Vision is designed to maximize all of the power it has available is through clever usage of the heat produced by the vehicle. While the engine is producing heat, water pumps and coolant valves help to keep it cool. This excess heat will also help to keep the Vision’s passengers warm. When it is cold outside, this system can also help to keep the battery comfortably warm—a cold battery is often a more easily drained battery. 

A Realistic Future for EVs Requires Thinking Differently

From the use of more organic shapes to the inclusion of more sustainable materials (the “leather” is made of mushrooms), this concept car from Mercedes has given the carmaker a place to play with everything that can make an electric car a better choice for the future of their company and the planet. Though the car is destined to remain only a concept car, we hope to see some of these concepts infused into their upcoming lineups. Head on over to Motor Authority for some great pictures of this sleek concept car and see what you think. 

Tips for When Your Car Needs Cincinnati Mechanical Work

If your car needs some serious work under the hood, it can be tempting to stop at your closest Cincinnati car garage and have them take over. But before you commit, call around. Do some research. Ask for quotes. If your timing belt needs changed and your engine repair guy doesn’t suggest that your water pump should be changed while he’s in there, you might want to think twice about giving him your business. Your Cincinnati engine mechanic should give you information that could prevent expensive repairs down the road, or don’t give him the time of day.

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