Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQV MPV
Mercedes-Benz, simply known as Mercedes, is a leading global luxury automative manufacturer based in Germany. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart and is famed for its high quality passenger vehicles, to include the Mercedes-Maybach. However, the company is also a leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles, to include the Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the Mercedes eVito electric van.
Mercedes-Benz EQ is the sub-brand used by the company for its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The pure electric cars are branded as EQ, while the PHEVs are branded as EQ Power. The mild hybrid vehicles are branded as EQ Boost. The BEV portfolio includes:
- The all-electric EQC SUV
- The all-electric EQV MPV
- The all-electric EQA SUV
- The all-electric EQE SUV
- The all-electric EQS saloon
- The all-electric EQB SUV
- The all-electric EQE saloon
- The all-electric EQS SUV
The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQV multi purpose vehicle (MPV) is part of the Mercedes-Benz EQ electric mobility family. The first EQ concept electric vehicle (EV) was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2016. The pure electric EQV was the second battery-electric vehicle (BEV) introduced as part of the EQ electric mobility vision. The EQV was unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Though we have seen the introduction of a number of pure electric vehicles (EVs) over the past few years, in general, the MPV segment has seen only a few introductions. Moreover, in the premium segment, the choice of e-MPV’s is still very limited.
The all-electric luxurious Mercedes EQV is a good option for large families seeking to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving, without compromising on luxury or space. It is also as appealing for company-car drivers that need a large premium electric vehicle and keen to save money.
The EQV is available only in one EV battery size: 90 kWh. Though this is a decent EV battery size, we would encourage automotive manufacturers to incorporate a larger EV battery for 7-seater electric vehicles, as passenger load does impact the real-world electric range. In general, higher the payload, the lower the e-range. Moreover, the weight and size of the EV also impacts the range. The weight of the EQV electric vehicle is nearly 3 tonnes.
This luxurious family e-MPV has a claimed emission-free electric range up to 343 km (WLTP) on a full battery charge. Of course, the real-world range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include, weight. Other factors, include: driving profile, weather conditions, road conditions, regenerative braking profile and more! For the EQV expect a real-world e-range closer to 290 km.
Though not class-leading, the EV still offers sufficient zero-emission electric range for most day-to-day driving needs, to include, motorway driving.
The EV can be rapid fast charged up to 110 kW DC. Not the fastest, nor the slowest. But given the price tag, we would have expected a faster DC fast charging capability. In any case, the EV can be charged from 10%-80% state-of-charge (SOC) in 45 minutes.
The manufacturer also offers a 3-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. However, as most homes in India are limited to single-phase power supply, taking advantage of the 11 kW charging speed will only be for those with access to 3-phase EV charging at home, workplace or a public charging station.
Using a dedicated three-phase (11 kW) EV charger, like the 22 kW easee EV charger, the EQV electric car can be fully charged in 10 hours. Single-phase 7.4 kW charging will take longer (up to 14 hours 30 minutes). We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight at home, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper. Also, given the continued escalation in energy prices, we encourage the installation of solar panels at home for charging the EV!
We discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging an electric car. We also encourage charging on a regular basis. This way, there is always available ‘electric miles’ and regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Mercedes offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.
The performance of the front-wheel drive (FWD) EQV passenger electric van will not set the heart racing, but that is not the core purpose of owing an MPV! The pure electric EQV has a top speed of 160 km/h and can achieve 0-100 km/h in 12.1 seconds (max power: 204 hp/ torque: 366 Nm).
The seven-seater EQV has ample headroom and legroom for all passengers, to include a boot space of 1,410 L. To further enhance the practicality, Mercedes has incorporated side sliding doors, making entry and exit in tight car park spaces easy!
The luxurious EQV electric vehicle (EV) is packed with technology, to include: MBUX infotainment system controlled by voice and touchscreen (the MBUX uses artificial intelligence to predict personal habits overtime), pre-entry climate control and a host of driver assistance technologies. These include: lane keeping assist, traffic sign assist, blind spot assist, adaptive brake light, active brake assist and more!
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Mercedes-Benz EQV MPV is not available in India.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
A seven-seater electric vehicle | Limited EV range |
Practical and good boot space (1,410 L) | DC charging only limited to 110 kW |
11 kW 3-phase onboard charger as standard | An expensive MPV |
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQV MPV (credit: Mercedes)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Vehicle Type: | MPV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In India: | No |
Variants (1 Option) |
---|
Mercedes-Benz EQV (from ₹ N/A) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 90 kWh |
Charging: | 110 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 45 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-100%: 10 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1,908 |
Width (mm): | 2,249 |
Length (mm): | 5,370 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 3,430 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.8 |
Boot Space (L): | 1,410 |
EQV | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 90 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 343 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 293 – 289 |
Charging: | 110 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 45 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-100%: 10 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 12.1 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Max Power (hp): | 204 |
Torque (Nm): | 366 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 7 |
Doors: | 4 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,635 |
Colours: | 9 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
BEVs Vs PHEVs: Which Is Better?
Both, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have significant advantages over conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles. However, when BEVs and PHEVs are compared together, the narrative is not as black & white. Both types of electric vehicles (EVs) have pros and cons, and depending on the buyer circumstances, one type of EV will be more appropriate.
Plug-in hybrid electric cars have played an important role in encouraging drivers to migrate to electric driving. ‘Familiarity’ and ‘range security’ offered by plug-in hybrid vehicles, have been key attributes in propelling buyers to migrate to electric driving. A PHEV in many respects is very similar to driving a conventional petrol/ diesel car, except for the introduction of an electric mode, regenerative braking and EV charging.
As an example, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Plug-In Hybrid SUV, uses both, a petrol engine and an electric motor to propel the vehicle. The electric motor is driven by an onboard EV battery, which is charged via an external EV charging station. For those keen on ‘familiarity’, a PHEV, despite the addition of an electric motor, is very similar to driving a conventional petrol or diesel car.
The other impediment to migrating to EVs is range anxiety. In a PHEV there is no fear about an ’empty’ EV battery, as the vehicle can still be driven on the internal combustion engine (ICE). Bottom-line, for those in India keen to use an EV, but lack EV charging infrastructure and need to travel long distances on a regular basis, a plug-in hybrid electric car is more appropriate than a BEV.
Pure electric cars (BEVs) have come a long way over the past decade, since the introduction of the all-electric Nissan Leaf in 2010. In particular, in regards to increased EV range. Pure electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 can offer a range up to 360 miles (the first generation Leaf offered a range up to 73 miles).
The Model 3 is not the only EV that can offer a long electric range. In fact, many of the recent EVs introduced have a range well over 200 miles on a full battery charge. This significant improvement in electric range has helped reduce the concern over range anxiety, enabling greater confidence in EVs.
Unlike PHEVs, pure electric cars are zero-tailpipe emission i.e. a BEV does not have a tailpipe and therefore does not pollute the air! The improvement in air quality, is one of the key advantages of choosing a BEV over a PHEV. The other key advantage is that a BEV is cheaper to drive and maintain, compared to a PHEV.
This should come as no surprise as a BEV has only an electric motor/s, while a PHEV has an internal combustion engine, coupled with an electric motor. Put another way, a plug-in hybrid EV has many more moving parts and therefore more to maintain and repair overtime!
BEVs are well suited for businesses and families keen to improve local air quality and reduce the cost of driving. Of course, access to dedicated EV charging infrastructure at home and on the road is a prerequisite to owning a BEV!
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