The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV: The Complete Guide For India

Price: Rs 74.50 Lakhs
Type of electric vehicle: Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body type: SUV
Battery size: 66.5 kWh
Electric range (WLTP): 410 km
Tailpipe emissions: 0g (CO2/km)


Electric Cars: The Basics


For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:


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The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV


Mercedes-Benz, simply known as Mercedes, is a leading global luxury automative manufacturer based in Germany. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart and is famed for its high quality passenger vehicles, to include the Mercedes-Maybach. However, the company is also a leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles, to include the Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the Mercedes eVito electric van.

Mercedes-Benz EQ is the sub-brand used by the company for its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The pure electric cars are branded as EQ, while the PHEVs are branded as EQ Power. The mild hybrid vehicles are branded as EQ Boost. The BEV portfolio includes:

The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV is part of the Mercedes-Benz EQ electric mobility family. The EQB is unique, in that, it is a zero-emission electric SUV with up to 7 seats. So far, the options for a seven-seat pure electric SUV have been limited, in particular, in the premium SUV category.

Moreover, the Mercedes EQB is priced at a more affordable price point compared to alternate premium electric SUVs, like the Tesla Model X. The EV is available in one EV battery size option (66.5 kWh), with a WLTP emission-free electric range up to 410 km. The onboard EV battery is neither small nor large. It is really a mid-range battery size, appropriate for city and motorway use.

Though a 410 km zero-emission range will meet most needs, we have now come to expect electric vehicles with an e-range closer to 500 km, if not higher. Expect the real-world range to be closer to 350 km, depending on the driving style, road conditions, weather, passenger load, regenerative braking profile etc. In any case, a 350 km EV range is practical for most day-to-day city and motorway driving needs.

The electric EQB offers DC charging up to 100 kW DC. Not the fastest DC charging speed, nor the slowest. Again, a mid-range charging speed, appropriate, given the size of the onboard EV battery, The pure electric SUV can be charged up to 80% in 32 minutes. Perfect amount of time for a coffee and a brief motorway break!

The manufacturer also offers a 3-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. However, as most homes in India are limited to single-phase power supply, taking advantage of the 11 kW charging speed will only be for those with access to 3-phase EV charging at home, workplace or a public charging station.

Using a dedicated three-phase (11 kW) EV charger, the EQE electric car can be fully charged in 5 hours and 45 minutes. Single-phase charging will take longer (9 hours and 15 minutes). We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight at home, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper. We discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging an electric car.

The pure electric SUV is only available as an all-wheel drive (AWD), to include the EQB 300 4MATIC and the EQB 350 4MATIC variants. A more affordable front-wheel drive variant will certainly be most welcome! The EQB 3004MATIC can achieve 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds (max power: 228 hp/ torque: 370 Nm). The EQB 350 4MATIC can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (max power: 292 hp/ torque: 370 Nm). The top speed of the e-SUV is 160 km/h.

As is the case of the other Mercedes electric vehicles, the EQB is built using a sustainable production process. The pure electric SUV is being built in Kecskemet, Hungary. The EQB is equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which can be controlled via voice, touch or gesture.

The infotainment system can overtime predict personal habits using artificial intelligence (AI). The electric car is also equipped (like the case with other EQ models) with an external acoustic warning to alert pedestrians or cyclists at speeds under 30 km/h.

The EQB is well equipped to include: active lane keeping assist, active speed limit assist, Mercedes-Benz sound system with one centre speaker, two Frontbass speakers, two tweeters, four mid-range speakers and 225 W amplifier output, ambient lighting – 64-colours and Smartphone integration including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV is available in India.


PROS CONS
Up to seven-seats family e-SUVCheaper electric SUV alternatives available
All-wheel drive as standardOnly available in one EV battery size
11 kW AC onboard charger as standardDC charging limited to 100 kW

Gallery


The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV (credit: Mercedes)


At A Glance
EV Type:Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:SUV
Engine:Electric
Available In India:Yes

Variants (1 Option)
Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC (from Rs 74.50 Lakhs)

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:Available in one battery size: 66.5 kWh
Charging:100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs 45 mins)
Charge Port:Type 2
EV Cable Type:Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:0g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:8 years or 160,000 km

Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
  • Note 1: SoC: state of charge

Dimensions
Height (mm):1667
Width (mm):2020
Length (mm):4687
Wheelbase (mm):2829
Turning Circle (m):11.4
Boot Space (L):340

EQB 3004MATIC
EV Battery Capacity:66.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):410 km
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):184 – 187
Charging:100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs 45 mins)
Top Speed:160 km/h
0-100 km/h:7.7 seconds
Drive:All-wheel drive (AWD)
Max Power (hp):228
Torque (Nm):370
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:Up to 7
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):2,105
Colours:10
NCAP Safety Rating:N/A

EQB 350 4MATIC
EV Battery Capacity:66.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):410 km
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):189 – 191
Charging:100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 5 hrs 45 mins)
Top Speed:160 km/h
0-100 km/h:6.0 seconds
Drive:All-wheel drive (AWD)
Max Power (hp):292
Torque (Nm):370
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:Up to 7
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):2,105
Colours:10
NCAP Safety Rating:N/A

Top Reasons To Buy An Electric Vehicle (EV)


The past few years, in particular, 2020 and 2021, have witnessed a phenomenal increase in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Major global economies, to include, the United States and the European Union, have documented a surge in the sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In many of these countries, lower emission to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) now account for up to 15% of annual new vehicle registrations, and in some countries like Norway, even greater than 50%.

This is not a short-term trend. Instead, it is the emergence of a long-term shift towards cleaner forms of travel. Though there are many reasons to own an electric vehicle (EV), we list below some of the key reasons fuelling consumer demand for EVs.

1). Vast choice of electric vehicles

It is true, that in India, the choice of electric vehicles is still restricted, compared to international markets. In India, we have access to only up to 15 electric vehicle models to include the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona, Jaguar I-PACE and the Tata Nexon EV. However, in many of the matured international markets, the choice of pure electric cars and plug-in hybrid electric cars are up to 200 models. We expect this to only increase! However, we do hope India will see an increase in the variety and supply of EVs on sale, giving consumers a greater choice.

2). Increased zero-emission range

The emission-free driving range of electric cars have improved significantly in recent years, and the latest models of EVs can achieve well over 200 miles (WLTP), if not over 300 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. In general, EV battery size and efficiency have improved. As an example, the all-electric Kia e-Niro compact SUV has a range of 282 miles. The best-selling pure electric Nissan Leaf has an electric range of 239 miles on a single charge. Of course, the likes of Tesla electric cars have a range well over 300 miles on a single charge!

3). Increased public charging infrastructure

Yes, it is true that the public charging infrastructure in India is at a nascent stage, but in a number of international markets, AC fast charging and DC rapid charging stations are now widespread. As an example, in the UK, there are as many public charging stations as there are petrol pumps! This increase in charging accessibility has driven confidence in consumers who were hesitant to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission electric cars i.e. no more range anxiety! Of course, many homes in the UK also have a dedicated EV charger. For EVs to succeed in India, the deployment of public and home EV charging infrastructure is mandatory.

4). Lower running and maintenance costs

Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The lower number of moving parts has reduced the maintenance burden of EVs, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Electric cars are also cheap to drive. At an average one can expect a cost per km of Rs 1 for a zero-emission EV, while for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle, the cost per km could be up to Rs 7 per km. The annual cost savings achieved by switching to electric driving is significant!

5). Lower air pollution

However, in our view the greatest benefit of driving electric vehicles, in particular, pure electric vehicles, is the absence of tailpipe emissions. Electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. reducing air pollution. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.


While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.


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Author

Ashvin Suri

Ashvin has been involved with the renewables, energy efficiency and infrastructure sectors since 2006. He is passionate about the transition to a low-carbon economy and electric transportation. Ashvin commenced his career in 1994, working with US investment banks in New York. Post his MBA from the London Business School (1996-1998), he continued to work in investment banking at Flemings (London) and JPMorgan (London). His roles included corporate finance advisory, M&A and capital raising. He has been involved across diverse industry sectors, to include engineering, aerospace, oil & gas, airports and automotive across Asia and Europe. In 2010, he co-founded a solar development platform, for large scale ground and roof solar projects to include, the UK, Italy, Germany and France. He has also advised on various renewable energy (wind and solar) utility scale projects working with global institutional investors and independent power producers (IPP’s) in the renewable energy sector. He has also advised in key international markets like India, to include advising large-scale industrial and automotive group in India. Ashvin has also advised Indian Energy, an IPP backed by Guggenheim (a US$ 165 billion fund). He has also advised a US$ 2 billion, Singapore based group. Ashvin has also worked in the real estate and infrastructure sector, to including working with the Matrix Group (a US$ 4 billion property group in the UK) to launch one of the first few institutional real estate funds for the Indian real estate market. The fund was successfully launched with significant institutional support from the UK/ European markets. He has also advised on water infrastructure, to include advising a Swedish clean technology company in the water sector. He has also been involved with a number of early stage ventures.

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