Electric Range: A Roller Coaster Ride on the Mercedes EQE on the Großglockner
Luxury electric car, Mercedes-EQE limousine, traverses the Großglockner mountain pass.
Got your eyes on an electric car but worried about the range? Let's debunk the mystery using the sleek Mercedes EQE sedan on a thrilling tour around the breathtaking Großglockner as a case in point.
Driving ranges for electric vehicles often catch a lot of flak for being unreliable and inconsistent. Why is that, you ask? Let's dive into the details with ntv.de unveiling this puzzle on an extended drive around the Großglockner.
Our target of scrutiny is a business-class charmer from the EQE series, decked out as a sedan. Here, we're checking out the 350 model, minus the all-wheel drive, boasting a hefty 96kWh battery instead of the usual 90. Efficiency and a large power pack are the secret ingredients behind a lengthy range. The range display on this snazzy three-fifty flashes a promising 630 kilometers at 98% charge!
Cruising around the winding roads of the Großglockner, the EQE 350+ effortlessly claws its way up to around 2400 meters, hardly breaking a sweat with its 765 Newtonmeters. High speeds are out of the question due to the restrictions on the country roads. However, little inclines? They're a walk in the park for this 4.95-meter-long Benz.
The true magic unfolds on the descent. The EQE hardly requires its service brakes, i.e., the traditional four brake discs, as slowing down is primarily achieved through regeneration, which recovers braking energy. This is the perfect scenario for regenerative braking! This alone shaves off an impressive 15.7kWh per 100 kilometers from the energy consumption total! That's even lower than the WLTP overall figure of 16.1kWh. If you manage to maintain such a driving profile, over 600 kilometers of driving would be a piece of cake for the EQE 350+!
Electric – but no free lunch
Remember, though, that this scenario is far from the ordinary. Just like with any other electric vehicle, the EQE 350+ can be expected to deviate from the WLTP overall value on the highway due to factors such as driving style, vehicle design, and energy use patterns.
On a highway, the consumption can grow to 19kWh per 100 km under nominal conditions. To put things in perspective, that's almost double the energy consumption compared to our downhill cruise. So, while electric vehicles do offer substantial range advantages for city driving, their efficiency drops significantly on highways compared to traditional internal combustion engines.
Juggling Range Anxiety and Comfort
Suddenly, the EQE driver gets a sudden burst of adrenaline with two opposing sets of thoughts swirling in their mind. On one hand, they're in a confident business tourer, featuring all-wheel steering, smooth air suspension, and ultra-comfortable seats. For roughly 1,820 euros, the seat cushions even offer various massage modes to melt away aching muscles built up during long-distance drives.
On the other hand, after potentially 350 to 450 kilometers of cruising down the highway, the first stop at a Supercharger is a necessity. Mercedes is quite upfront about the fact that a slightly longer charging break is called for (around 32 minutes for 10 to 80% charge at a peak charging power of 170 kW). The manufacturer is also candid about the fact that, under ideal conditions, around 19kWh per 100 km is consumed during highway driving.
Despite the charging breaks, the EQE remains one of the most range-capable luxury sedans with high driving comfort. The fact that 800 volts should have been included in the base price of 71,411 euros has been acknowledged by the company. This feature may become standard across higher classes in the future. And yet, the EQE sails its passengers to their destination calmly and without a fuss.
- Vocational training in efficiency management could be beneficial for electric vehicle owners, as understanding how factors such as driving style, vehicle design, and energy use patterns impact range could help maximize the vehicle's potential range.
- For those who are conscious about their lifestyle and environmental impact, electric-vehicles, like the Mercedes EQE, offer an attractive option, though it's important to note that their efficiency can vary significantly between city and highway driving.
- In the realm of technology-driven gadgets, the Mercedes EQE stands out as a testament to advancement, blending vocational training in electric power management with the comfort of luxury features like all-wheel steering, air suspension, and heated, massaging seats, all while cruising on electrified roads in style.
