Luxury ride in the Mercedes-EQE sedan on the Großglockner highway
Efficient Cruising: Dissecting the Range Factors in Electric Cars, like the Mercedes EQE Sedan, over the Großglockner
Cracking the Code on Electric Car Range
Why does range in an electric vehicle often fail to meet expectations? It's most likely due to the driving cycle. Let's shed light on this topic through an extended tour of the Großglockner, taking the most productive Mercedes EQE 350 as our test subject.
In the spotlight is a Mercedes business-class vehicle from the EQE series in sedan form (internally V295). The star of the show is a 350 model that adorns a '+' on the trunk lid. Unlike the all-wheel drive version, this power pack boasts a generous 96 kWh instead of the standard 90, emphasizing efficiency and battery size as the secret to a high range. Here's a peek at its range display as it stands at 98 percent SoC (State of Charge): An impressive 630 kilometers are indicated.
So, where does all that energy go? Skeptics may argue it's vanquished while covering around 250 kilometers of undulating terrain. However, that's not entirely the case. The EQE 350+, packing 292 PS, handles the mountainous immensity of the Großglockner with panache, thanks to an impressive torque of 765 Newtonmeters. Though not reaching top speed on narrow country roads,chts also limit speed. So, Schritt für Schritt, the 4.95-meter-long Benz performs admirably. Slight inclines? No sweat for this beauty!
The Magic of Descent: Regenerative Braking Unleashed
Now, things get thrilling post-ascent. Thanks to gradual descents, the EQE hardly taps into its service brakes (the conventional brake discs). Instead, recuperation, or regenerative braking, takes charge. And guess what? Downhill stretches fuel this scenario perfectly. After the voyage, the EQE posts a stunning energy consumption of 15.7 kWh per 100 kilometers. Even more surprising is that this value undercuts the WLTP average of 16.1 kWh! Given these conservative figures, a distance of 600 kilometers+ could comfortably be covered using this driving profile.
Mind you, an internal combustion engine would underperform dismally on this route, as it would struggle to recover the energy lost on the ascent, particularly compared to a steady highway drive. On steep ascents, too, the engine would suffer from high RPM and inefficient driving in a low gear.
However, it's imperative to be fair and acknowledge that the EQE, along with battery-electric vehicles overall, may deviate more from WLTP ratings while cruising on the highway than vehicles with internal combustion engines. This discrepancy arises mainly due to an electric motor's unique operating range that's more favorable compared to a diesel or gasoline engine[3][4].
Charging-Shy Comfort King
Just when you think you've found the perfect balance, the EQE's dual persona asserts itself. On one side, you have a self-assured business tourer, featuring all-wheel steering, plush air suspension, and deliciously comfy seats that offer adjustable massage for your weary muscles (for approximately 1,820 euros more). On the flip side, after potentially 350 to 450 kilometers of highway motoring, it may need a Supercharger pit stop. Mercedes is above-board about the fact that a slightly extended charging break is inevitable (around 32 minutes for 10 to 80 percent recharge at a peak charging power of 170 kW). They're also candid about the fact that at highway speeds, around 19 kWh is consumed per 100 km, assuming moderate temperatures[5].
Despite these limitations, the EQE shines as a long-range luxury sedan that glides passengers effortlessly to their destination. The inclusion of 800 volts in the base price of 71,411 euros is a feature that Mercedes-Benz promises will soon be rolled out in higher classes, like the CLA.
In a Nutshell: Bridging the Range GapElectric ranges, such as the Mercedes EQE, fluctuate greatly under various driving conditions due to numerous factors influenced by battery usage and vehicle dynamics.
Driving Style's Impact on Range in Electric Cars
- Driving Style: Aggressive driving, high speeds, and erratic stops consume more energy and shrink range. Sustainable cruising extends the range.
- Climate Control and Accessories: Adding load to the vehicle and running energy-intensive features, like heating or climate control, drain the battery.
Environmental and Road Conditions Impacting Range
- Weather and Temperature: Cold and hot weather affects battery efficiency, demanding more energy for cabin heating or cooling, thereby reducing range.
- Terrain and Road Conditions: Driving uphill or on uneven roads requires more power, resulting in decreased range.
Enrichment Insights: [6]
- Wheel Size and Weight: Factors like wheel size and weight affect the overall efficiency of electric cars, indirectly influencing the driving range despite similar battery sizes.
- Hybrid Models: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) offer valuable benefits like lower emissions and reduced energy costs. However, their range can be less stable than that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, making long drives more challenging without proper planning and charging infrastructure. Combining electric power for short trips and gas engines for longer distances when charging isn't accessible, as in hybrid vehicles like some models from Mercedes-Benz, offers a practical solution [1][2].
- In light of the extended tour of the Großglockner, it's clear that the efficiency of a battery-electric vehicle, like the Mercedes EQE 350+, can be significantly impacted by the driving style.
- When it comes to vocational training in the automotive industry, understanding the role of regenerative braking in electric cars is crucial for improving efficiency and extending range.
- It's essential to factor in the environmental conditions while evaluating the range of electric cars, as cold or hot weather can affect the battery's efficiency and require additional energy for climate control.
- The financial implications of electricity-dependent vehicles, such as the EQE, should consider the need for regular charging stops and the possible Li-ion battery replacements during the vehicle's lifespan, impacting the total cost of ownership.
- Additionally, the development of community policies regarding charging infrastructure and incentives for electric vehicle adoption can play a significant role in bridging the range gap and promoting the widespread use of electric cars, thereby enhancing technology adoption in lifestyle and transportation.
