Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the VISION EQXX electric concept car, a highly efficient, sleek concept car capable of exceeding 1 000 kilometres (620 miles) on a single charge with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10kWh per 100 kilometres (efficiency of more than 6 miles per kWh).
Rather than simply increasing the size of the battery, the cross-functional, international design and engineering team focused on maximising long-distance efficiency. They pulled out all the stops in drivetrain efficiency, energy density, aerodynamics and lightweight design.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the VISION EQXX electric concept car
BIONICAST damper dome
BIONICAST is a Mercedes-Benz registered trademark applied to structural castings engineered according to the principles of nature. In addition to the BIONEQXX rear-floor casting, another BIONICAST component that features in the VISION EQXX is the damper domes which accommodate the suspension components at the front of the car.
Like the BIONEQXX casting, they too contribute significantly to keeping weight to a minimum, saving around 9 lbs compared with conventional pressed domes.
The bracket carrying the windshield wipers and motor on the VISION EQXX was likewise designed using principles of bionic engineering. Here, too, the pioneering technique proved invaluable in keeping weight to a minimum while maximising functionality within the tight packaging constraints.
BIONICAST is a Mercedes-Benz registered trademark applied to structural castings engineered according to the principles of nature
This technology has already been transferred to Mercedes-Benz production models. For example, the chassis components in the new EQS have been modified to reduce weight by increasing stiffness.
Advanced bodyshell materials
The VISION EQXX features a raft of advanced materials that deliver practical functionality and safety to Mercedes-Benz standards. Several of these materials are currently being used in the development of future production models.
The MS1500 ultra-high strength martensitic steel used in the VISION EQXX marks a first for a Mercedes-Benz body-in-white application. The exceptional strength of this material offers excellent occupant protection in the event of a crash, while keeping weight to a minimum.
The body-in-white of the VISION EQXX is one of the first Mercedes-Benz applications of low-CO2 flat steel produced with 100% scrap using an electric-arc furnace technique. These low-CO2 steel grades have been introduced recently in Mercedes-Benz production vehicles and represent a blueprint for future models.
In addition to the BIONEQXX rear-floor casting, another BIONICAST component that features in the VISION EQXX is the damper domes which accommodate the suspension components at the front of the car
The doors of the VISION EQXX are made from a hybrid of CFRP and GFRP (carbon- and glass-fibre reinforced plastics) components with aluminium reinforcements. As well as the weight benefits, this design also achieves a careful balance of stiffness and ductility in the event of a crash. Meanwhile, a new polyamide foam reinforces the lower edge of the door and optimises energy absorption in a side-on collision.
On the chassis, aluminium brake discs reduce the mass significantly compared with cast steel discs. As well as being completely corrosion-free, this brake system designed by Mercedes-Benz Advanced Engineering also reduces brake dust emissions by up to 90% thanks to an innovative coating. Meanwhile, new advanced glass-fibre-reinforced plastic springs developed in partnership with Rheinmetall Automotive remove further weight compared with conventional coil springs.
