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 EQS 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 EQC SUV
- The all-electric EQV MPV
- The all-electric EQA SUV
- The all-electric EQE SUV
- The all-electric EQS saloon
- The all-electric EQB SUV
- The all-electric EQE saloon
- The all-electric EQS SUV
The all-electric Mercedes EQS is the first pure electric luxury SUV from Mercedes, and is part of the Mercedes EQ electric mobility family. The electric vehicle (EV) has been designed and developed from-the-ground-up. Luxury does not come cheap at this premium level, but for those families and businesses keen on refinement, practicality and an environmentally-friendly ultra-premium SUV, few EVs can compete with the Mercedes EQS SUV.
From the perspective of electric driving, the electric SUV has much to offer. For a start, the onboard EV battery size is 108.4 kWh, which is certainly an above average size, and the claimed zero-emission electric range is up to 587 km (WLTP). Even adjusting for the real-world driving conditions, the e-SUV should be able to deliver over 500 km on a full charge. Bottom-line, the EV is not only luxurious, but also practical, for short and long distance driving.
Despite the surge in energy prices, driving an electric car continues to remain cheaper, compared to driving a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol or diesel SUV. On-site green energy generation (solar or wind), will help achieve well-to-wheel zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. There are a number of suitable solar compatible EV chargers on the market. Our favourite solar EV charger is myenergi zappi.
It is true, in that, the majority of EV charging is done at home, usually overnight. However, for those that travel long-distances on motorways on a regular basis, the electric EQS is well positioned for public charging. The EV is capable of ultra-rapid charging up to 200 kW DC.
Put another way, it will take only 31 minutes to charge the EV battery from 10% to 80% via a 200 kW DC charger. Of course, the key is finding an ultra-rapid DC charging station en route. Also worth noting is that DC public charging is more expensive than charging at home!
For those charging at home, in all probability, you will be charging using a single-phase (7.4 kW AC) EV charger like zappi. Do keep in mind that most homes in India are powered by single-phase power supply. At 7.4 kW AC, it will take up to 16 hours and 45 minutes to achieve a charge from 10% – 80%.
We recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way, charging times will be shorter. Regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Mercedes offers a class-leading 10 years or 250,000 km warranty.
With those with access to three-phase (22 kW AC) EV charging at the workplace or public charging destinations, the EV can be charged up to 80% in 5 hours 30 minutes. The manufacturer offers a 22 kW AC (three-phase) onboard charger as standard.
The EV is being built at the Mercedes-Benz Bibb Country/Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As part of the broader strategy to use renewable energy for its production facilities, the Bibb County site’s entire electricity needs will be met through renewable energy sources from 2024. Mercedes is also committed to responsible mining of raw materials like cobalt and lithium, used in EV battery production. The company has adopted the IRMA standard for responsible mining.
The EQS 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 EV also has on offer, ZYNC, the Mercedes premium-in-car digital entertainment platform, to include, over 1,500 hours of readily available content! Mercedes offers the Hyperscreen package at an additional cost. The Hyperscreen has 3 displays blended seamlessly. The central display is 17.7-inch and the passenger display is 12.3-inches.
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. Of course, one of the advantages of electric driving is the blissful silence in the cabin!
Mercedes continues to push the boundaries on safety features. The EQS SUV incorporates a new Digital Light headlamp, which the automotive manufacturer claims is ‘like a projector with more than one million pixels per headlamp and responds with brilliant light to changing traffic, road or weather conditions’.
Other safety features available, include: active blind spot assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active distance assist DISTRONIC, active traffic sign assist, active speed limit assist and more!
In terms of performance, the EQS electric SUV does not disappoint. The EV is available in three powertrain variants. The entry-level rear-wheel drive (RWD) EQS 450+, the all-wheel drive (AWD) EQS 450 4MATIC and the all-wheel drive (AWD) EQS 580 4MATIC. The all-wheel drive EQS 450 4MATIC can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6 seconds (max power: 360 hp/ torque: 800 Nm).
The all-wheel drive EQS 580 4MATIC can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds (max power: 544 hp/ torque: 858 Nm). The top speed of the e-SUV is 210 km/h. Impressive, despite the weight of the vehicle (2.8 tonnes). Of course, the EV also delivers instant torque. In terms of practicality, the EQS electric SUV offers 5 seats. The EV offers boot space up to 565 L.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Good electric range and practical (up to 7 seats) | Available in only one EV battery size |
Technology filled | Expensive |
22 kW AC onboard charger and 200 kW DC charging as standard | All-wheel drive is not standard on all variants |
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV(credit: Mercedes)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Vehicle Type: | SUV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In India: | No |
Variants (1 Options) |
---|
Mercedes EQS SUV (from Rs N/A) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 108.4 kWh |
Charging: | 200 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 31 mins). Onboard charger 22 kW AC (10%-100%: 5 hrs 30 mins) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Battery Warranty: | 10 years or 250,000 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): | 1718 |
Width (mm): | 2157 |
Length (mm): | 5125 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 3210 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.0 |
Boot Space (L) | 565 |
EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 108.4 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 587 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 21.2 – 21.0 |
Charging: | 200 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 31 mins). Onboard charger 22 kW AC (10%-100%: 5 hrs 30 mins) |
Top Speed: | 210 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 6.0 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Max Power (hp): | 360 |
Torque (Nm): | 800 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | Up to 7 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,805 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
EQS 580 4MATIC SUV | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 108.4 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 587 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 21.2 – 21.0 |
Charging: | 200 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 31 mins). Onboard charger 22 kW AC (10%-100%: 5 hrs 30 mins) |
Top Speed: | 210 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 4.6 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Max Power (hp): | 544 |
Torque (Nm): | 858 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | Up to 7 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,810 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Electric Driving: Top 5 EV Jargons For India
Many of us living in India, have now come across an electric car, like the Tata Nexon EV. Some have been fortunate enough to even drive in one, or even better, own an e-vehicle. Even though, India, is still at a nascent stage in terms of electric driving, the latest-generation of electric cars, like the all-electric Kia EV6, are already on roads in India. Of course, also on our roads are other Tata and Mahindra electric cars.
Despite the increased visibility of EVs in India, the vocabulary (jargon) used in electric driving is still new to consumers. In fact, for many, it can seem daunting and confusing. We have therefore put below some of the more commonly used terms in the EV glossary, to give you an easier introduction to electric driving in India!
EV Glossary: Top 5 | |
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DoD (Depth-Of-Charge): | What is Depth-Of-Charge? A battery’s Depth-of-Charge is the level of discharge of a battery. As you drive an EV, the battery is discharged. The DoD indicates the % that has been discharged relative to the capacity of a battery. Conversely, a State-of-Charge (SOC), is the percentage of capacity still available in a battery. If you use 25% of your EV battery capacity, then the DoD is 25% and the SOC is 75%. It is recommended not to fully discharge an electric car battery, as this reduces the lifespan of a battery. Automotive manufacturers publish recommend DoD levels for charging, but a charging range between 20% to 80% is ideal. |
EV Battery Life: | What is the life of an EV battery? Like petrol and diesel engines, electric car batteries also have a finite lifespan. Though EV battery technology has come a long way over the past few years, battery degradation is inevitable. Just as normal wear and tear is the case for an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Currently most EV manufacturers are offering a warranty up to 8 years or 100,000 miles. However, some automotive manufacturers are offering an even longer EV battery warranty. An example is the Japanese automotive manufacturer, Toyota. The company offers a 10 years EV battery warranty for the all-electric Toyota bZ4X SUV. In most cases, such warranties are up to 70% of the original EV battery capacity. The battery life is impacted by a number of factors, which in turn impacts battery electrical performance, to include, the range the electric car can travel. The most commonly used batteries in electric cars are lithium-ion batteries. |
Frunk: | What is a frunk? Though a frunk is not a new term, its availability is becoming more widespread with the development of electric vehicles (EVs). A frunk is a storage space/ compartment/ trunk in the front of a vehicle, rather than the rear. In the case of pure electric cars, given that these vehicles do not have an onboard internal combustion engine (ICE), there is space for a frunk. It is worth noting that a frunk is usually much smaller than a trunk, and in EVs, a good space for storing the EV cable. |
One-Pedal Driving: | What is one-pedal driving? In one-pedal driving, the EV slows down or stops, when the pedal is released. One-pedal functionality reduce the need to use the brake pedal, for speed reduction or stopping. Of course, the brake pedal is still the best way to hold a vehicle in place at a complete stop. |
WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure): | In a bid to continue to improve the quality of realistic data released by automotive manufacturers, on economy, range and CO2 emissions, Europe has implemented its first phase for the WLTP program. The testing procedures under WLTP will result in reduced ranges for electric cars released under other previous testing regimes. The WLTP is seen as a significant improvement over the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) designed in the 1980s and based on theoretical driving. The WLTP has been developed with the aim of becoming a global standard, so that cars can be easily compared between regions. |
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