Vision EQXX completes 1,000km journey with 319km in the tank

Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone in electric vehicle (EV) technology, demonstrating the potential for future mass-market electric cars to travel over 1,000km on a single charge. The German automaker has successfully trialled a new lithium-metal solid-state battery in its Vision EQXX prototype, breaking previous range limits and setting a new standard for electric mobility.

The breakthrough test was conducted from the Mercedes-Benz Center in Riyadh to the Mercedes-Benz Brand Center in Dubai, covering a distance of 1,010km (about 627.6 miles). Remarkably, the Vision EQXX arrived in Dubai with 309km (approximately 192 miles) of residual range, suggesting that even longer journeys could be possible under optimal conditions. Samsung recently predicted that future solid state battery designs, might allow drivers to pick up 600 miles of range in just 9 minutes.

This achievement is part of Mercedes-Benz's broader strategy to transfer high-performance technology from Formula One racing to consumer road cars. The project has been in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, which has been instrumental in developing the new battery technology alongside contributions from other industry leaders. It doesn't hurt that the EQXX has been on a ‘slim-fast' diet, when compared to its petrol guzzling ancestors. There are versions of the S-Class that are being sold with a deliver wight of close to 2,300kg, but this EQXX can weigh in at less than 1,800kg. That 500kg can make a big difference all round.

With on-road tests beginning in early 2025, Mercedes could potentially launch solid-state battery-equipped EQS vehicles by around 2027-2028, assuming no major obstacles arise. So what makes this new technology so interesting for companies like BYD and Mercedes?

Advantages of Solid-State Batteries:

1. Increased Energy Density: Solid-state batteries offer greater energy storage per kilogram than traditional lithium-ion batteries, potentially extending electric vehicle ranges without added weight.

2. Improved Safety: Solid electrolytes replace flammable liquid ones used in lithium-ion batteries, enhancing safety and reducing fire risks.

3. Longer Lifespan: Solid-state batteries are less susceptible to degradation, promising a longer useful life which is crucial for reducing replacement costs in automotive applications.

4. Faster Charging Times: These batteries could support quicker charging, depending on their chemistry and architecture, thanks to the improved conductivity and stability of the solid electrolyte.

5. Temperature Stability: Solid-state batteries perform more consistently across different temperatures, simplifying thermal management and potentially lowering vehicle design costs.

6. Weight Reduction: The higher energy density means less weight for the same capacity, improving vehicle efficiency and enabling either further range or reduced energy use.

The shift to solid-state batteries in vehicles like the Mercedes EQS could significantly improve their market appeal by offering longer ranges and safer, more efficient operations. However, this transition hinges on overcoming challenges such as scaling production and managing higher costs compared to existing lithium-ion batteries.

The Vision EQXX's journey was not just a test of distance but also efficiency. The vehicle demonstrated a power consumption of just 7.4kWh per 100km – equivalent to 0.9 litres per 100km or 282 miles per gallon in a petrol-powered car. This remarkable efficiency was achieved even though the test was conducted across varying conditions, including urban traffic and extreme desert heat, which averaged 34°C during the trial.

Mercedes-Benz has incorporated several innovative technologies in the Vision EQXX to achieve this feat. One of the key features is the vehicle's advanced thermal management system, which maintains optimal operating temperatures for both the electric drivetrain and the cabin. Additionally, the car is equipped with a 117-cell solar roof that contributed an additional 24km of range by harvesting solar energy during the journey.

The solid-state battery itself represents a significant evolution in battery technology. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte, the solid-state battery utilises a solid electrolyte that enhances safety and allows for the use of lithium metal anodes. These anodes are more efficient than traditional ones, enabling a higher energy density and a reduced weight, thus improving the vehicle's overall performance and safety.

The development and testing of the prototype solid-state battery were conducted in partnership with Factorial Energy, a US-based company specialising in this advanced battery technology. The design includes innovative features such as pneumatic actuators that accommodate the physical expansion and contraction of the battery materials during charging and discharging, thus enhancing the battery's performance and lifespan.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the success of the trials: “The Vision EQXX continues to provide valuable data for the ongoing development of advanced electric efficiency technologies. As expected, all systems performed perfectly in the desert conditions, further proof that electric drive is ready for global markets.”

The testing that Mercedes began in April 2022, means that the reality of significant range increases will be with us soon. These tests are crucial for understanding how the technology can be integrated into future production models.

Siyu Huang, CEO and Co-Founder of Factorial Energy, emphasised the significance of the collaboration: “Our collaboration with Mercedes-Benz proves that the future of electric vehicles is not just a vision, but a reality we're delivering today. This breakthrough sets a new benchmark for the entire automotive industry.”

As Mercedes-Benz continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in electric vehicle technology, this latest achievement not only marks a milestone for the company but also for the automotive industry, paving the way for the next generation of ultra-long-range electric vehicles.

As a parting thought, it's worth considering that this test was conducted in temperatures up to 34 degrees – which could be as much as 10 degrees above ‘optimal'. So we're expecting more announcements about the range of the EQXX.