Mercedes is set to upgrade its electric vehicle (EV) lineup with the latest drivetrain technology to enhance their driving range. The models set to receive the update first are the EQE, EQS, and EQS SUV, with production expected to commence in July.
The updates will include the new automatically decoupling front electric motor, the DCU. The front motor was previously always connected to the drivetrain, but was found to create more resistance than it could produce in electricity. The DCU resolves this issue by automatically disconnecting the front motor when it is not needed and reconnecting it when necessary.
See also: Mercedes Unveils EQS Electric SUV in China on Valentine's Day
The second major update is the implementation of a heat pump in place of resistive heating. Electric cars don't have a heat source like an engine, so resistive heating has been used in the past, but it uses a significant amount of energy and reduces the driving range in cold weather. Mercedes will integrate a heat pump into its Intelligent Thermal Management (ITM) system, making it standard equipment for all models.
Finally, the Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC will receive a more powerful drivetrain that was first introduced in the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC. This will result in an increase in power output from 523 hp to 544 hp and a 3 Nm boost in torque to 858 Nm.
Although the improved driving ranges have not yet been officially confirmed, they are expected to be announced soon after Mercedes completes the WLTP and EPA validation process. These upgrades mark a significant step towards the development of EVs with no compromise on range and performance.
