Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Electric Cars: Benefits Of Electric Driving: Top 5
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
What Is Regenerative Braking: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Different Type Of Electric Vehicles (EVs): An Introduction
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Benefits Of Green Energy: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
EV Charging Cables: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car At Home: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreSign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQC
Mercedes-Benz, simply known as Mercedes, is a leading global luxury automative manufacturer based in Germany. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart and is famed for its high quality passenger vehicles, to include the Mercedes-Maybach. However, the company is also a leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles, to include the Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the Mercedes eVito electric van.
Mercedes-Benz EQ is the sub-brand used by the company for its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The pure electric cars are branded as EQ, while the PHEVs are branded as EQ Power. The mild hybrid vehicles are branded as EQ Boost. The BEV portfolio includes:
- The all-electric EQC SUV
- The all-electric EQV MPV
- The all-electric EQA SUV
- The all-electric EQE SUV
- The all-electric EQS saloon
- The all-electric EQB SUV
- The all-electric EQE saloon
- The all-electric EQS SUV
The all-electric Mercedes EQC is the first member of the Mercedes EQ electric mobility family. The electric EQC is based on the Generation EQ concept which was unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, with the production model making its debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The EQC is based on the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV model and is also a five-seater family vehicle.
This luxurious electric family SUV is available in only one battery size (80 kW) with a WLTP emission-free electric range up to 462 km on a full charge. Of course, the real-world range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors.
For those new to electric driving, it is worth noting that the real-world EV range is influenced by driving profile, weather conditions, road conditions, passenger load, regenerative braking profile and more! For the EQC e-SUV expect a real-world e-range closer to 390 km. Sufficient electric range for most day-to-day driving needs, to include motorway driving.
The EV can be rapid charged up to 110 kW DC. Not the fastest, nor the slowest. But given the price tag, we would have expected a faster DC fast charging capability. In any case the EV can be charged from 10%-80% state-of-charge (SOC) in 40 minutes.
The manufacturer also offers a 3-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. However, as most homes in Ireland are limited to single-phase power supply, taking advantage of the 11 kW charging speed will only be for those with access to 3-phase EV charging at home, workplace or a public charging station.
Using a dedicated three-phase (11 kW) EV charger, like myenergi zappi EV charger, the EQC electric car can be fully charged in 7 hours and 30 minutes. Single-phase 7.4 kW charging will take longer (up to 11 hours). We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight at home, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper.
We discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging an electric car. We also encourage charging on a regular basis. This way, there is always available ‘electric miles’ and regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Mercedes offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.
The premium all-electric EQC is good looking, with the exterior styling, a good blend between a traditional and futuristic design, perfect for those buyers keen on the ‘familiar’, but also open to embracing the future. As you would expect from Mercedes, the EQC is a highly refined pure electric SUV. The five-seater SUV has ample headroom and legroom for rear seat passengers and also a decent boot size (500 L).
As the electric vehicle (EV) has been developed on a dedicated EV platform, the EV battery is neatly placed below the floor, creating more interior space. The e-SUV is packed with the latest generation driver assistance technology, to include: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Blind Spot Assist with Exit warning function, Active Steering Assist and Active Brake Assist. The EV has been awarded a Five-StarNCAP Safety Rating.
In terms of performance, the all-wheel drive Mercedes EQC can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds (max power: 408 hp/ torque: 760 Nm). The top speed of the e-SUV is 180 km/h. Of course, the EV also delivers instant torque.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Built on a dedicated EV platform | Cheaper alternatives available |
| All-wheel drive as standard | DC charging only up to 110 kW |
| 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | Electric range not as impressive as some competitors |
Gallery
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQC (credit: Mercedes-Benz)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (1 Option) |
|---|
| Mercedes EQC 400 4MATIC (from € N/A) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 80 kWh |
| Charging: | 110 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80% : 40 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-80% : 7 hrs 30 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1622 |
| Width (mm): | 2096 |
| Length (mm): | 4761 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2864 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.8 |
| Boot Space (L): | 500 |
| EQC 400 4MATIC | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 80 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 421 – 462 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 238 – 224 |
| Charging: | 110 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80% : 40 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-80% : 7 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 180 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 300 |
| Max Power (hp): | 408 |
| Torque (Nm): | 760 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,495 |
| Colours: | 10 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Longest Range Pure Electric Cars: Top 5
The electric driving sector has certainly witnessed significant progress in relation to electric range, for both, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Historically, range anxiety has been an impediment for consumers keen to migrate to electric cars, in particular, pure electric cars.
Though range anxiety has been a valid concern, in our view, it had been over-exaggerated. Do keep in mind that most day-to-day driving involves short journeys i.e. school runs, travel to work, local high street, gym, grocery store etc. How many times in a month do we really travel long distances?
In any case, with the latest-generation of pure electric cars, there is ample e-range for both short and long-distance motorway journeys. In fact, the latest-generation of pure electric cars offer a real-world range over 500 km on a single charge. Some of these EVs can travel from the North to the South of Ireland on a single-charge! The longest range electric car on our list below is the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS saloon with a WLTP claimed range up to 729 km.
Several factors have contributed to the improvement in emission-free electric range. Some of these include: increase in size of the onboard EV battery, improvements in the EV battery management, sleeker aerodynamics, lower vehicle weight and overall improvement in vehicle efficiency. We can expect this trend to continue, as automotive manufacturers labour to further improve the efficiency of electric vehicles and ultimately electric range.
It is also worth noting, that not all automotive manufacturers aspire for the largest onboard EV battery or the longest electric range. Many electric cars, like the all-electric Honda-e have been developed primarily to target the needs of urban drivers, who travel short distances. Of course, even for such electric cars, automotive manufacturers continue to seek improvements in vehicle efficiency and e-range.
| Brand/ Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Electric Range (WLTP) | Body Type | Battery Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz EQS | 108.4 kWh | 729 km | Saloon | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| BMW i7 | 105.7 kWh | 622 km | Saloon | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Mercedes-Benz EQE | 90.6 kWh | 617 km | Saloon | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Polestar 3 | 111 kWh | 610 km | SUV | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 98 kWh | 600 km | SUV | 8 years or 160,000 km |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
Featured Articles
The All-Electric Polestar 2 Hatchback: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The Volvo V90 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid Estate: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The Citroën C5 X Plug-In Hybrid: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreFeatured Products
-
Tethered myenergi zappi Home EV Charging (7kW, 6.5m): price includes product only – free delivery
€1,150.95 (Including VAT)Category:EV Charging Points -
Untethered myenergi zappi Home EV Charging (7kW): price includes product only – free delivery
€1,145.95 (Including VAT)Category:EV Charging Points -
Custom Made Single-Phase EV Charging Cable Type 2 to Type 2 (2m to 45m, 7.4 kW) – Made In Europe – Free Delivery
€219.95 – €645.95 (Including VAT)Category:EV Charging CablesType:Type 2Length (m):5 m10 m6 m15 m20 m2 m25 m30 m35 m40 m45 m3 m7 m8 m12 m18 m22 mCurrent (amp):32 ampPhase:Single Phase (7.4kW) -
Custom Made 3 Phase EV Charging Cable Type 2 to Type 2 (2m to 45m, 11kW – 22 kW) – Made In Europe – Free Delivery
€219.95 – €755.95 (Including VAT)Category:EV Charging CablesType:Type 2Length (m):5 m10 m6 m15 m20 m2 m25 m30 m35 m40 m45 m3 m7 m8 m12 m18 m22 mCurrent (amp):32 amp16 ampPhase:Three Phase (22kW)Three Phase (11kW) -
Custom-Made Tesla Compatible EV Cable Type 2 to Type 2 (2m to 25m, 7.4 kW, Black) – Free Delivery
€265.95 – €490.95Brand:evck-TeslaCategory:EV Charging CablesType:Type 2Length (m):5 m10 m6 m15 m20 m2 m25 m3 m8 m12 m18 m22 mPhase:Single Phase (7.4kW)
