Mercedes will evolve its electric models like its EQE and EQS, which should soon receive new engines. But also a new 800 volt architecture allowing them to recharge very quickly. We explain how.
Mercedes is one of the most active manufacturers in the world of electrics, with an already rather complete range. The manufacturer can also boast of benefiting from models that are benchmarks in their category, such as the luxurious EQS, which claims more than 780 km range on a single charge in its 450+ version.
But in a world where everything is going very fast, resting on one’s laurels is not really the best solution, and even those who had a long lead in the world of electric cars see some competitors, particularly from China , arrive with convincing and above all cheaper products.
And if you thought the world of luxury was protected, not at all. Chinese brands intend to rush into every corner of the market, even that of the high end. BYD recently introduced Denza, its premium subsidiary, a bit like what Lexus is to Toyota.
Mandatory evolution to stay up to date
To stay up to date, Mercedes will evolve its models with new technologies. According to the German media Jesmb, a new range of electric motors should arrive, being compatible with all the platforms of the brand’s models. These electric motors, called eATS 2.0, will be offered on the MMA (CLA, EQA/GLA and EQB/GLB), MB.EA-M (C-Class electric and GLC from the end of 2025) and EVA2M (EQE, EQE SUV) platforms. , EQS and EQS SUV).
To accommodate these new engines, Mercedes will have to update its EVAM platform, in particular because the manufacturer intends to switch from a 400 volt architecture to 800 volts.
Until now, Mercedes had already incorporated some innovations into the EVAM platform to increase the range of its high-end electric sedans and SUVs.
The engineers had therefore added a new heat pump, a front axle “disconnect” system for 4Matic models with all-wheel drive to save some precious kWh or, as an option, a 22 kW charger to reduce the AC recharge time.
A multitude of novelties on the program
For the EVA2M platform, Mercedes has therefore planned to replace the SiemensValeo electric motors with their own eATS2.0 motors. Enough to replace the single-speed gearbox with a two-speed gearbox, an 800-volt architecture as mentioned above, a new battery and temperature management system and new cells for the batteries that will be assembled in the Brühl factory in Stuttgart from autumn 2024.
For the moment, we do not yet know exactly when this new platform will arrive for the EQE and EQS, but it should probably arrive for the beginning of the year 2025when Mercedes will present the restylings of its two sedans and two high-end SUVs.
With this new architecture, these models should now be able to exceed 200 kW of maximum charging power on fast terminals, while autonomy should also make a nice leap forward with the new battery cells.
Thus, the most enduring Mercedes EQS, namely the 450+ version, could exceed 800 km range on a single charge according to the WLTP cycle, compared to 780 today.
For fast charging, for comparison, Mercedes announces 32 minutes to go from 10 to 80% on the EQE. At 800 volts, the Kia EV6 performs the same exercise in 18 minutes. And some manufacturers go even further, like Xpeng with its G9 and a record time of 15 minutes.
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