[EmAdmin]

Powertrain

Two year after the EQ concept was shown off along with many teasers of test mules, we finally get to see the first of many EQ products. Shown here is the all-new production EQC with a full list of specifications and features that should help most potential owners decide if its still for them. Power comes via two electric motors mounted at both the front and rear axles. Once on the throttle, 300 kW and peak torque of 765 Nm is within your control. Range anxiety won't be an issue with the 80 kWh lithium-ion battery capable of over 450 km range. Completing this entire powertrain package are five driving programs to experience a range of different driving characteristics.

As the first Mercedes-Benz model to be launched under the new product and technology brand EQ, the EQC features an all-new drive system with compact electric drivetrains at each axle. These give the EQC the driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive vehicle. To reduce power consumption and increase dynamism, the electric drivetrains are configured differently: the front electric motor is optimized for best possible efficiency in the low to medium load range, while the rear one determines dynamism. Together, they generate an output of 300 kW (402 hp) and a maximum torque of 765 Nm (564 lb-ft) (provisional European figure)

Mercedes-Benz engineers have reduced noise with a number of measures. In the EQC the powerpacks are isolated by rubber mounts at two points: where the powerpack connects to its subframe and where the subframe connects to the body. This effective isolation is supplemented with insulation measures. As a result, the interior of the EQC is extremely quiet.
The lithium-ion battery, which has an energy content of 80 kWh (NEDC)(European figure) supplies the vehicle with power. The power consumption and range of electric vehicles depend very much on the driving style. The EQC supports its driver with five driving programs, each with different characteristics: COMFORT, ECO, MAX RANGE, SPORT and an individually adaptable program. In the more economical driving modes, the haptic accelerator pedal that prompts the driver to conserve power plays an important role. The driver is also able to influence the recuperation level using paddles behind the steering wheel.
The ECO Assist system gives the driver comprehensive support when driving predictively: by prompting the driver when it is appropriate to come off the accelerator, e.g. because the vehicle is approaching a speed limit, and with functions such as coasting and specific control of recuperation. For this purpose, navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the intelligent safety assistants (radar and stereo camera) are linked and processed.

Source: Mercedes Benz USA
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Charging

Once you go through the generous 450+ km range, you have some options to recharge, some similar to current EV's sold today. A 7.4 kW capacity onboard charger (OBC) lets you charge practically anywhere on the go. The real bonus is with Mercedes-Benz Wallbox that charges 3 times faster. At peak, its possible to gain 70% in just 40 minutes. Monitoring state of charge is done easily with MBUX along with other useful features like route planning to optimize potential range. We also expect some level of control on the Mercedes me App.

As standard the EQC is equipped with a water-cooled onboard charger (OBC) with a capacity of 7.4 kW, making it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations.

Charging with Wallbox is up to three times faster than at a domestic power socket. It is faster still with DC charging – which is standard for the EQC – for example via CCS (Combined Charging Systems) in Europe and the USA and Canada, CHAdeMO in Japan or GB/T in China. Depending on the SoC (status of charge), the EQC can be charged with a maximum output of up to 110 kW at an appropriate charging station. In around 40 minutes, the battery can be charged from 10 - 80 percent SoC (provisional data).

The multimedia system MBUX: with EQC-specific functions
The EQC features the innovative multimedia system MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience - which has numerous EQ-specific functions such as the display of range, charge status and energy flow. EQ-optimized navigation, driving modes, charging current and departure time can also be controlled and set via MBUX.

The MBUX display has a special EQ tile where numerous EQ features are grouped. Alternatively, the user can access the EQ menu of the MBUX system directly using a key in the lower left control panel. Thanks to natural language recognition, the EQ-specific voice control helps the driver to operate the EQC.

Intelligent services: Relaxed travel from start to finish
EQ with Mercedes me provides comprehensive services for the electro mobility of today and tomorrow. The most important new services and functions of the EQC planned for market launch include:
Pre-entry climate control:This ensures that the vehicle interior is already at the desired temperature on departure. It can be programmed directly via MBUX or via the Mercedes me App. A sophisticated system with a heat pump and electric heater boosters pre-climatizes the interior.

The EQ-optimized navigation always bases its calculation on the fastest route taking into account the shortest charging time. The route planning also responds dynamically to changes, and can take place both offboard and onboard, i.e. externally (via the Mercedes me App) and within the vehicle. Thanks to EQ-optimized navigation, Mercedes-Benz customers can easily find charging stations.

Active and passive safety: EQC-specific safety concept
The EQC is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems. In the Intelligent Drive package, these include new functions such as predictive speed adjustment when approaching busy traffic: when congestion is detected, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution.

The EQC also meets the highest requirements with respect to passive safety: in addition to the usual, extensive programme of crash tests, Mercedes-Benz applies further, particularly stringent safety standards to the battery and all component parts carrying electrical current. These standards exceed legal requirements. The vehicle structure of the EQC has been adapted to suit the special requirements of the electrical components and battery, and is configured to achieve the usual high safety level. For example, a new subframe surrounds the drive components located in the front section, and this unit is supported by the usual mounting points.

Source: Mercedes Benz USA
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Safety

EV's release today go beyond being a green alternative but also act as a technological showcase. Aside from flagship products like the S-Class, EQ models also get special treatment and for good reason. Active and passive safety systems bring semi-autonomous driving tech like; predictive speed adjustment and active distance assist DISTRONIC. Special engineering processes to the EQC's structure help mitigate risk with features like a new subframe that surround front mounted drive components. Most important of all, the battery is protected to prevent being pierced with fail safes that automatically shut down high-voltage setup when required.

The EQC is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems. In the Intelligent Drive package, these include new functions such as predictive speed adjustment when approaching busy traffic: when congestion is detected, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution.

The EQC also meets the highest requirements with respect to passive safety: in addition to the usual, extensive programme of crash tests, Mercedes-Benz applies further, particularly stringent safety standards to the battery and all component parts carrying electrical current. These standards exceed legal requirements. The vehicle structure of the EQC has been adapted to suit the special requirements of the electrical components and battery, and is configured to achieve the usual high safety level. For example, a new subframe surrounds the drive components located in the front section, and this unit is supported by the usual mounting points.

To ensure the mechanical protection of the battery, safety design begins with the installation position of the high-voltage battery beneath the vehicle floor. The energy storage unit is surrounded by a stable frame that can absorb energy. Deformation elements are installed between the frame and the battery, and these are able to absorb additional forces in the event of a severe side impact. A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects.

Electrical protection of the high-voltage system: Mercedes-Benz's extensive experience with high-voltage drive systems has led to a multi-stage safety concept that deploys in the event of an accident. The high-voltage system automatically shuts down, reversibly or irreversibly, according to the severity of the accident. There are also shutdown points where emergency teams can deactivate the high-voltage system manually.

Source: Mercedes Benz USA
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Production

Production is set to kick off early 2019 with preparations long underway. If all goes as planned, expect deliveries to take place late Q1 to early Q2. Most exciting of all is how the Bremen facility will operate, from scaling up and adjusting production as the model progresses and innovation that are with it from the start. The battery-joining centre is one innovation we hope to see and learn more of as production kicks off and deliveries happen. For now, get your pre-orders in before initial allocations fill up!

Production of the EQC will start in 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. The preparations for this are already fully under way. The new EQC will be integrated into ongoing series production as a fully electric vehicle. The very latest production technologies will be employed.

One decisive innovation is the so-called battery-joining centre where the EQC undergoes a second "marriage" following installation of the two electric powerpacks in the bodyshell. This is where the EQCs are recognized as electric models with the help of data tags attached to the body, and equipped with a battery. The body is suspended from an apparatus called C-carrier and deposited on a frame. Support arms raise the battery to the vehicle's floor from below. An employee monitors the automatic bolting of the battery and frame into place.

In parallel with this, Mercedes-Benz is producing batteries for the vehicles at the expanded battery plant in Kamenz (near Dresden).

Alongside Bremen, the Sino-German production joint venture Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. (BBAC) is also preparing for the production start-up of the EQC for the local market.

Source: Mercedes Benz USA

 

[PetersBenz]

That range converted into miles is about 270 miles, not all that impressive but up to par with EV's out right now. My friends Model S gets similar numbers consistently and range anxiety is non-existent.