As technology continues to improve, EVs are now starting to match the range of similar diesel models – making them a real option for people who drive for a living.
Until now, most EVs capable of competing with the range of current petrol and diesel vehicles have come with expensive price tags, putting them out of reach of most people in the taxi and motor trade.
Everyday driving
But Mercedes-Benz is currently leading the way with its solid-state lithium battery which enabled a prototype test car to travel 749 miles before recharging.
Fleet World reports that the test drive took the brand’s EQS prototype through three countries, demonstrating the capabilities of solid-state batteries compared to lithium-ion batteries.
The main difference between them is that solid-state batteries is that the electrolytes are solid instead of liquid, which offers higher capacity and better safety than lithium-ion batteries.
Fleet World added: “Mercedes-Benz has set a new benchmark in electric mobility after its EQS solid-state prototype covered 749 miles (1,205km) without stopping to charge.
“Continuing the German brand’s real-world testing of solid-state battery technology, a lightly modified EQS test vehicle equipped with a lithium-metal solid-state battery was driven across three countries without a single charging stop.
“The electric saloon actually completed its landmark journey, from Stuttgart in Germany through Denmark and on to Malmö in Sweden, with 85 miles (137km) of range left. It also beat the previous record set by the Vision EQXX on its Stuttgart–Silverstone route by 3km.”
Setting the standard
The long range and efficiency mean Mercedes has reached a milestone with solid-state battery technology and its potential for production vehicles that would be suited to the motor trade.
The solid-state system has been developed with the Formula 1 arm of the Mercedes-Benz Group, giving extra focus to safety, performance and weight, which Mercedes says remains comparable to the standard EQS battery.
However, the new technology increases the usable energy of the battery by 25%, with the current EQS currently offering up to 481 miles of range with its 118kWh lithium-ion battery.
Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz chief technology officer, told Fleet World: “The solid-state battery is a true gamechanger for electric mobility. With the successful long-distance drive of the EQS, we show that this technology delivers not only in the lab but also on the road.
“Our goal is to bring innovations such as this into series production by the end of the decade and offer our customers a new level of range and comfort.”
Follow the leader
While Mercedes has invested a lot of time, effort and money into the solid-state prototype – and some of the technology will remain secret for proprietary purposes – it has let the genie out of the bottle to show others what is possible.
As the technology continues to evolve, it is reassuring for professionals such as those in the motor trade to know that EVs will be able to match current economic diesels in terms of range – and with fewer charges needed, hopefully bring down running costs.
