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 EQE SUV
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
Like the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQE Saloon, the all-electric Mercedes EQE SUV is also part of the Mercedes-Benz EQ electric mobility family. Both electric vehicles (EVs) have much in common and are built on the same EVA2 dedicated EV platform (it is the fourth model to use this platform). The EV also has borrowed technology incorporated in the EQS. The mid-sized luxury EQE SUV was unveiled in October 2022.
The availability of pure electric SUVs continues to increase, as automotive manufacturers capitalise on the growing demand for electric SUVs, in particular, premium e-SUVs. We can expect this trend to continue for the foreseeable future.
The EQE SUV is available in two variants, the all-wheel drive (AWD) EQE 350 4MATIC, and the all-wheel drive (AWD) EQE 500 4MATIC (there is a third variant, the AMG EQE 43 4MATIC, which is not currently available in all markets). The entry-level EQE 350 has a 89 kWh onboard EV battery with a WLTP zero-emission electric range up to 538 km. The higher performance EQE 500 has a marginally larger onboard EV battery (91 kWh) with a WLTP quoted e-range up to 521 km.
Of course, the real-world pure electric range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, weather conditions, road surface, tyre size, speed, regenerative braking profile, payload etc.! For the EQE 350 expect a real-world e-range closer to 460 km, while for the EQE 500, a range of 440 km will be more realistic. In any case, the EV range offered is practical and useful for most driving needs, to include, longer distance motorway trips.
The e-SUV also incorporates a sophisticated thermal architecture, with a heat pump as standard, to further enhance the efficiency and e-range of the electric vehicle.
Both variants offer DC charging up to 170 kW DC as standard. The EV battery can be charged up to 80% in 32 minutes. The manufacturer also offers a 3-phase 11 kW or 22 kW AC onboard charger as standard (depending on the variant).
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, the EQE electric car can be fully charged in 10 hours. A three-phase 22 kW charger will charge the EV battery 0%-100% in 5 hours. Single-phase (7.4 kW) charging will take longer. We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight at home, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper.
We encourage consumers to install a green energy PV system and battery storage on-site. It is good for the environment and the wallet! An electric car charged using renewable energy achieves ‘well-to-wheel’, zero-tailpipe emissions.
The EQE 350 delivers 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds (max power: 288 hp/ torque: 765 Nm). The higher performance EQE 500 delivers 0-100 km/h in a whopping 4.9 seconds (max power: 408 hp/ torque: 858 Nm). The top speed of the EV is 210 km/h. An impressive performance, given the weight of the SUV (over 2.5 tonnes). Of course, the dual-motor, four-wheel drive system also benefits from instant torque.
The EQE has a high quality interior and specifications, to include: a dual-screen infotainment system as standard, with an option for a MBUX hyperscreen (17.7 inches). The luxurious EQE electric vehicle (EV) is packed with driving assistance systems, to include: active blind spot assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active distance assist DISTRONIC, active emergency stop assist, active evasive steering assist: and more.
In terms of practicality, the medium-sized EQE electric SUV offers a 520 L boot space. The EV is manufactured in Tuscaloosa (USA). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is not available in India.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Good EV range (up to 538 km) | Cheaper alternatives available |
DC Charging up to 170 kW DC | Hyperscreen not standard on variants |
Heat pump as standard | 22 kW AC onboard charger not standard on all variants |
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV(credit: Mercedes)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Vehicle Type: | SUV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In India: | No |
Variants (1 Option) |
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Mercedes EQE SUV (from Rs N/A) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 89 kWh/ 91 kWh |
Charging: | 170 kW DC Rapid Charging. Onboard charger 11 kW/ 22 kW AC. 11 kW AC (10%-100% : 10 hours)/ 22 kW AC (10%-100% : 5 hours) |
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 | |
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Height (mm): | 1685 |
Width (mm): | 2141 |
Length (mm): | 4863 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 3030 |
Turning Circle (m): | 12.3 |
Boot Space (L): | 520 |
EQE 350 4MATIC | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 89 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 486 – 538 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 224 – 187 |
Charging: | 170 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-100% : 10 hours). 22 kW AC (10%-100% : 5 hours) |
Top Speed: | 210 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 6.6 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Max Power (hp): | 288 |
Torque (Nm): | 765 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 4 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,580 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
EQE 500 4MATIC | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 91 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 488 – 521 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 225 – 189 |
Charging: | 170 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-100% : 10 hours). 22 kW AC (10%-100% : 5 hours) |
Top Speed: | 210 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 4.9 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Max Power (hp): | 408 |
Torque (Nm): | 858 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 4 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,560 |
Colours: | 7 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
What Is A Heat Pump In Electric Cars?
EV Heat Pump: The Basics | |
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What is a heat pump in electric cars? | In conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), petrol and diesel vehicles, the energy (waste heat) generated from the engine (powertrain), is captured to re-use for heating the interior cabin of the vehicle. However, in pure electric cars, the heat generated (waste heat) from the electric drive (electric motor, inverter, on-board AC charger) and the onboard high-voltage EV battery is not as much, as the heat generated in conventional cars, and cannot be re-used on its own to provide sufficient cabin heating (electric cars are more efficient than petrol/ diesel cars). Therefore in EVs, the sources for capturing heat, also includes the outside air i.e. it is a multi-source heat pump system. This captured heat is re-used for the onboard EV battery management and also for heating the cabin interior, increasing the electric car efficiency and reducing the need to draw energy from the onboard EV battery. In general, a lithium-ion EV battery is less energy efficient during colder months (similar to the laptop or smartphone battery). |
How does a heat pump increase electric range in colder winter months? | Electric cars that do not incorporate an onboard heat pump, rely on the energy of the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin of the electric car, further impacting the available e-range. In contrast, EVs with a heat pump, do not rely on the onboard EV battery to heat the cabin. Instead, the heat pump sources heat from multiple sources and releases energy-efficient heating into the cabin. Put another way, an electric car with a heat pump does not place any demand on the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin. There is ample real-world evidence to prove that electric cars with a heat pump offer longer electric range in winter months, compared to electric cars that do not incorporate a heat pump. The average improvement in range is between 10% to 20%. |
How does a heat pump work in an electric car? | Step 1: naturally heated antifreeze is channelled into the heat pump evaporator, where the heat is transferred to the coolant circulating in the unit. The evaporator converts the coolant into gas (evaporation). Step 2: the gas is sucked into a compressor to increase the pressure of the gas. When air is compressed it increases its temperature. The gas temperature is increased to 80° C. Step 3: the compressed gas is transferred to a condenser, where the heat is transferred to water in the condenser. Step 4: the heat is then circulated to the interior cabin, while the gas is converted into liquid form, and is transferred back to the heat pump evaporator via an expansion valve. The cycle is then repeated. |
Is a heat pump used only for heating? | No. A heat pump can also be used for cooling. As an example, the Audi Q7 EV uses the onboard heat pump for heating and cooling. |
Does a heat pump come as standard in EVs? | Though some manufacturers offer the heat pump as standard, most offer it as an optional extra. We recommend purchasing the option. |
Can a heat pump be installed in an electric car post delivery? | Usually it is not possible, given the complexity of installing a heat pump. So always order it at the time of purchase. |
Are all heat pumps in electric cars the same? | No. There is a difference in technology, approach and efficiency achieved for different manufacturers. As an example, Hyundai and Kia claim to have one of the most efficient heat pumps, given the ability of their technology to dynamically choose the most appropriate heat source at a given moment. Hyundai claims the heat pump incorporated in the all-electric Hyundai Kona can improve the winter electric range up to 18%, significantly higher than the average improvement (10%). |
Are there any other advantages offered by a heat pump in colder months? | Yes, you can pre-heat the electric vehicle (EV) via your mobile app before you commence your journey. This way you can have a toasty warm interior cabin on a cold winter day! |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.