Mercedes-Benz’s Electric Vehicle, EQXX, Sets a Huge Record

Thanks to solar power, Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX can drive over 621 miles on a single full charge.

The Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle Vision EQXX updated its own driving range by driving a distance of over 1,000 km ( about 621 miles) in its third driving test. Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Vision EQXX concept car at CES in Las Vegas, U.S., in January 2024.

The Vision EQXX is a solar electric vehicle with a solar module mounted on the roof. Its driving test was conducted to study the thermal management of electric vehicles. The energy generated through solar panels is said to be stored and used for the blower, lighting, and infotainment system.

Average of 8.7 miles per kWh
Driving a total of 627.6 miles

The Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle EQXX set its own driving range record by driving a total of 627.6 miles (about 1,010 km) at an average of 8.7 miles (about 14 km) per kWh. This driving test was the third long-distance driving test conducted in Europe, following two tests conducted in Europe.

This is the second time this electric vehicle has driven more than 1,000 km (about 621 miles), and it is said to have driven 1,010 km (about 627.6 miles ) in 14 hours and 42 minutes at an average speed of about 68.5 km/h (about 42.6 mph) (approximately 80 km/h ( 50 mph while moving). At the end of the driving test, the EQXX’s onboard computer showed 192 miles (approximately 309 km) remaining. Therefore, it is assumed that EQXX provides a total driving range of 819 miles (approximately 1,318 km).

Composed of 117 Solar Cells
EQXX’s High Voltage System Solar Roof

For EQXX’s third driving course, Riyadh, Dubai, and suburban areas were included. It is said to have included areas with heavy traffic and open roads crossing the desert. Mercedes-Benz said its true goal was to maximize the company’s specially designed electric vehicle system’s efficiency and research thermal management for electric vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz also analyzed the performance of the solar roof installed on the EQXX. This roof is composed of 117 solar cells and supports a high-voltage system. Driving across the desert, the EQXX’s roof absorbed 1.8 kWh of energy, providing the vehicle with about 15 miles (about 24 km) of additional driving range.

EQXX’s air conditioner is equipped with a heat pump
It was on throughout the driving test

EQXX’s air conditioner can be said to be a feature that significantly impacts electric vehicles’ driving range. Therefore, the newly developed heat pump was installed and turned on throughout the driving test, minimizing any negative impact on energy efficiency. This heat pump, which appeared in the concept CLA class unveiled at 2023 IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, is likely to be applied to Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles.

The EQXX is equipped with a 100 kWh battery. It is powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous motor with 241bhp and 368 lb-ft of torque, the same motor used in Tesla’s Model 3. It is said that EQXX will be used for future electric vehicle architecture research and development of Mercedes-Benz’s future electric vehicle lineup.