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 plug-in Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the plug-in 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 EQC
- The all-electric EQV
- The all-electric EQA
- The all-electric EQS
- The all-electric EQB
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. For the UK market, the EQB is only available in the seven-seat option, while for the European market, a five-seat option is also available.
The EV is available in one battery size option (66.5 kWh), with a WLTP range up to 257 miles. Though this zero-emission range will meet most needs, we have now come to expect electric vehicles with a range closer to 300 miles, if not higher. Expect the real world range to be closer to 225 miles, depending on the driving style and conditions.
Moreover the electric EQB is limited to 100 kW DC charging. For a premium price tag, an expectation for a higher DC charging capability is not surprising. In any case the EV can be charged from(10%-80%) in 32 minutes. The EV comes with a 11 kW on-board charger, convenient for those homes/ workplaces with a three-phase power supply.
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 has a top speed of 99 mph and can achieve 0-62 mph in 6 seconds (350 4MATIC) and 7.7 seconds (300 4MATIC).
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 19 mph.
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 integration¹ including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Up to seven-seats family SUV | Cheaper electric SUV alternatives available |
High quality interior specifications and infotainment system (MBUX) | Electric range not as good as alternatives |
Good boot space when the third row seats are not in use | DC charging limited to 100 kW |
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV (credit: Mercedes)
Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is cheaper than driving a petrol or diesel vehicle. As an example, in India, filling a full tank of fuel for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Tata Nexon SUV will cost up to Rs 5,000 (assuming an average cost per litre of Rs 100. The Tata Nexon has a fuel tank capacity of 44 L).
In comparison, the Tata Nexon Pure Electric SUV will cost less than Rs 300 for a full EV battery charge (EV Battery size: 30.2 kWh). In India, the average cost for residential electricity is between Rs 5 to Rs 10 per kWh(unit). Therefore the cost to drive per km (or mile) in a pure electric vehicle is substantially lower than a petrol or diesel vehicle.
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!
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Vehicle Type: | SUV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In India: | No |
Variants (4 Options) |
---|
EQB AMG Line/ 300 4MATIC |
EQB AMG Line/ 350 4MATIC |
EQB AMG Line Premium/300 4MATIC |
EQB AMG Line Premium/350 4MATIC |
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% SOC: 32 mins). On-board charger 11 kW AC |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
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 |
Cargo Volume: | 340 L |
EQB 3004MATIC | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 66.5 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 250 – 257 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 184 – 187 |
Charging: | 100 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80% SOC: 32 mins). On-board charger 11 kW AC |
Top Speed: | 99 mph |
0-62 mph: | 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): | 250 – 257 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 189 – 191 |
Charging: | 100 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80% SOC: 32 mins). On-board charger 11 kW AC |
Top Speed: | 99 mph |
0-62 mph: | 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.