NEW MERCEDES ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN DESIGNED TO BE 'A CUT ABOVE THE REST'
2024 Powertrain Disruptor of the Year
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has engineered a new powertrain that aims to revolutionize vehicle efficiency. Developed to push the limits of production models, as previewed in the Vision EQXX concept car, the next-generation electric drive system raises the bar for the brand and automakers across the globe.
As demonstrated in the EQXX, the powertrain is chock-full of advances that deliver solutions to the main sticking points consumers have with battery-electric vehicles: charging speed and range. The drive system will be housed within the new Mercedes Modular Architecture in the future CLA Class vehicles.
"The Concept CLA Class is the forerunner for an entirely new all-electric segment of entry-level vehicles at Mercedes-Benz. The range will comprise a total of four new models—a four-door coupé, a shooting brake and two stunning SUVs—each with significantly elevated product substance," said Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
"This new model family is inspired by a generation of car buyers who want that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz feel, with more features, even greater comfort and safety and the most advanced technology. They also seek a sustainable choice that is a cut above the rest."
To be tuned to the specifications of a road-worthy production model, the powertrain lost some efficiency. CLA will have 93 percent energy efficiency from the battery to the wheels when long-distance driving, as opposed to EQXX's 95 percent.
When transferring the technology to a production model, the powertrain had to be made durable and cost-effective. "It's one thing to go around the globe a couple of trips; it's another thing to do 200,000 kilometers [124,274 miles]," Christoph Starzynski, vice president of vehicle engineering and overall vehicle functions at Mercedes-Benz Cars told Newsweek at the CES annual consumer electronics trade show.
When the CLA Class comes to life, it will be available with two battery chemistries—one traditional and the other with a silicon-oxide anode design to allow for high-energy density.
The next-generation battery technology will allow for a range of more than 466 miles on a single charge, as measured on the European standard WLTP testing cycle. That is more than a Tesla Model S, though less than a Lucid Air.
The CLA Class' power unit will use about 12 kilowatt-hours of electricity per 62 miles driven. The most efficient version of the Tesla Model 3 uses around 15 kilowatt-hours.
Aiding the car's range ambitions is the architecture's use of low-weight adhesive instead of screw fixings. Also, the car's OneBox electric drive unit, home to the vehicle's charging components, weighs less than 242 pounds.
The high-voltage, 800-volt electric vehicle charging system architecture will allow for high-powered charging at a rate of 250 kilowatts, with a 50 kilowatt boost available. That enables the vehicle to receive up to 248 miles of range in just 15 minutes under ideal charging conditions.
Additional highlights of the system include a 175-kilowatt permanent magnet synchronous motor with a two-speed transmission and a silicon-carbide inverter.
"The technology that provides the foundation for the Concept CLA Class represents an entirely new approach for Mercedes-Benz and incorporates many learnings from our groundbreaking Vision EQXX technology program," Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and chief technology officer said.
"I am certain that our MMA platform will enable us to offer our customers in this market segment a class-defining combination of performance, sustainability, safety and comfort paired with an outstanding digital experience."
How We Did It
To determine the candidates for this year's World's Greatest Auto Disruptors, Newsweek's Autos team, led by Senior Autos Editor Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, compiled a list considering every major automaker in each of the award categories. Brands, teams and individuals were nominated based on their cumulative merits for the past year, after combing through each candidate's accomplishments in the areas of future product planning, business strategy, technology, marketing, engineering, sustainability, manufacturing and research and development. To be considered, candidates had to be employing executive decision-making, corporate strategy, product development and publicity in a way that is driving fundamental, transformative change in the automotive market, with measurable real-world results—or have clear and demonstrable potential to do so. The Legacy award honors an individual who has achieved these results over decades in the industry. The list of nominees was narrowed by Autos editors, including Jake Lingeman. Winners were chosen after a consensus was reached amongst the Autos team and Newsweek top editors.
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2024-03-26T12:11:53Z dg43tfdfdgfd