Daimler concept car shows direction of battery and charging technology
The drive system of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 has an output of 550 kW (750 HP) with four separate motor drives. A shallow underfloor battery allows a range of over 200 miles (450km) according to the US EPA.
This battery will initially use lithium ion technology manufactured by a Daimler subsidiary, Deutsche Accumotive. The company is currently expanding its plant in Kamenz, Germany, with a second, €500m factory that will start production in mid-2017 for Mercedes electric vehicles.
The batteries are at the heart of the Modular Electric Architecture (MEA) that will be announced later this month. This will support both lithium ion and ‘post lithium’ lithium-sulphur technologies.
Mercedes also plans to use the Combined Charging System high-voltage DC charging standard based on the IEC62196 standard. This is promoted by the Charging Interface Initiative in Germany that includes Daimler alongside Audi, BMW, Opel, Porsche, TÜV SÜD and Volkswagen). Mercedes is expected to offer a 150 kW charging rate followed by higher 350 kW rates. This would provide an extra 100 km of range from 5 minutes of charging, via a cable connection at a public charging station or a conventional domestic outlet. Mercedes is also hinting at the possibility of 350kW wireless charging.