The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX has once again proven its exceptional capabilities in electric vehicle efficiency, this time conquering the harsh desert conditions of Dubai. Following successful 1,000-kilometer journeys from Sindelfingen to Cassis and Untertürkheim to Silverstone, this third road trip was strategically designed to maximize efficiency across all parameters and meticulously assess system performance under extreme heat. The dry desert climate, with temperatures soaring up to 34 degrees Celsius, provided an ideal environment to scrutinize the vehicle’s advanced thermal management system.
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A key focus of the Dubai test was the intelligent on-demand thermal management system, engineered to maintain optimal temperatures for both the electric drivetrain and the passenger cabin. Crucially, the air conditioning system remained operational throughout the journey, yet its impact on energy consumption was minimized. This impressive feat is largely attributed to the multi-source heat pump technology integrated within the VISION EQXX. An even more refined iteration of this heat pump is set to feature in the upcoming Concept CLA Class, unveiled at IAA Mobility 2023. This concept car offers a preview of the model family built upon the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), inheriting significant technological advancements pioneered by the VISION EQXX.
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The intense Dubai desert sun presented a valuable opportunity for engineers to thoroughly evaluate the performance of the VISION EQXX’s innovative solar roof. Comprising 117 solar cells, this system is designed to power auxiliary systems, thereby reducing the energy demand on the main high-voltage battery and further enhancing overall efficiency. During the drive to Dubai, the solar roof successfully harvested 1.8 kWh of solar energy, contributing approximately 24 kilometers to the vehicle’s total range. Ongoing research is dedicated to exploring the potential benefits of integrating this solar technology into series-production Mercedes-Benz models in the future. Data collected during this Dubai drive, alongside previous tests, will also be crucial for comparative analysis, particularly in understanding the effects of wind and solar radiation on EV efficiency. Measurements meticulously recorded include not only temperature but also the precise angle and direction of sunlight, providing a comprehensive dataset for optimizing future electric vehicle designs for markets like Dubai and beyond.
