Mercedes-Benz is plotting a new electric vehicle prototype that can drive from Nice to Stuttgart on one charge.
Previewed during the brand’s 2020 strategy presentation, the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX is expected to be a one-off concept which relies on incredible aerodynamic efficiency rather than shoehorning a larger battery underneath – as you can tell from the swoopy side profile image below.
During the preview of the new vehicle, two presentation slides read “Beijing to Shanghai on one charge?” as well as “Stuttgart to Nice on one charge?”
A quick search on Google Maps reveals a road trip from Shanghai to Beijing is 1214.3 kilometres, and would take just over 12 hours.
Stuttgart to Nice, while not quite as long a trip, is an 814-kilometre journey that would take a little over nine hours.
“We have set up a group of our engineers to take on an extraordinary task, to build the longest and highest efficiency electric car the world has ever seen,” said Markus Schafer, Mercedes-Benz R&D boss said (quoted by Auto Express).
“This is a serious project, chasing next generation technologies. We intend to incorporate the learning into the next generation of series production cars.”
It appears the Vision EQXX will draw inspiration from the 2015 Concept IAA plug-in hybrid revealed for the Frankfurt motor show of that year, which was a super aerodynamic four-door coupe with a drag co-efficient of just 0.19, and a slew of active aero components which allowed it to ‘transform’ on the move to maximise efficiency.
It’s unclear when Mercedes-Benz will reveal the Vision EQXX, or when we might see aspects of it hit production models, but we’re expecting a drip-feed of more details over the coming months.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest.
