Andrew Heinzman
Mercedes-Benz unveiled its Vision EQXX concept vehicle during a virtual presentation at CES 2022, and yeah, this thing lives up to the hype. Not only does the EQXX feature an obscene 648-mile range, but it’s the most efficient EV ever made—it can travel over 60 miles (around 100 kilometers) using just 10kWh of energy.
For reference, 10kWh of home electrical usage costs around $1.20 in most parts of the United States. It’s about as much electricity you’d use to run an A/C unit for three hours, according to Mercedes. And if a fairy godmother came down and turned the Vision EQXX into a gas guzzler, it would have an insane 235 MPG fuel efficiency.
Again, the EQXX gets its range through efficiency, not a XXL double-stuffed battery. That means improved aerodynamics (a record-breaking drag coefficient of 0.17), an advanced drivetrain developed with help from F1 engineers, and a relatively lightweight build (3,858 pounds). I should note that the EQXX has 117 solar cells on its roof, though, and its battery is much more power-dense (and therefore physically smaller) than other 100kWh batteries.
Mercedes-Benz also managed to give the EQXX a very strange, futuristic interior. It features a 56-inch Hyperscreen that spans the width of the dashboard, plus “leather” seats made of mushrooms and environmentally-friendly pull tabs instead of door handles.
But there are a few things to note about the Vision EQXX that aren’t so exciting. For one, it’s just a concept car, and there’s no telling how much a production EQXX would cost—these ultra-efficient EVs may not be accessible to regular people for a very long time. Additionally, the EQXX’s 648-mile range isn’t confirmed by the EPA or any other independent parties.
And if buyers want an EV with a super long range today, Mercedes isn’t necessarily the best option. The Mercedes-Benz EQS can travel 350 miles on a charge, which is pretty good, but the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S Long Range Plus can go between 400 and 500 miles. Also, Tesla plans to launch the Roadster in 2023, and it can go 620 miles on a charge—although I have a feeling it’ll get delayed.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
