Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQV MPV
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-Benz EQV multi purpose vehicle (MPV) is part of the Mercedes-Benz EQ electric mobility family. The first EQ concept electric vehicle (EV) was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2016. The pure electric EQV was the second battery-electric vehicle (BEV) introduced as part of the EQ electric mobility vision. The EQV was unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Though we have seen the introduction of a number of pure electric vehicles (EVs) over the past few years, in general, the MPV segment has seen only a few introductions. Moreover, in the premium segment, the choice of e-MPV’s is still very limited.
The all-electric luxurious Mercedes EQV is a good option for large families seeking to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving, without compromising on luxury or space. It is also as appealing for company-car drivers that need a large premium electric vehicle and keen to save money.
Depending on the cost of charging, driving a pure electric car will cost between 5 cents and 10 cents per km i.e. far cheaper compared to driving a conventional petrol of diesel vehicle. Moreover, electric cars are subject to reduced taxes etc.
The EQV is available only in one EV battery size: 90 kWh. Though this is a decent EV battery size, we would encourage automotive manufacturers to incorporate a larger EV battery for 7+ seater electric vehicles, as passenger load does impact the real-world electric range. In general, higher the payload, the lower the e-range. Moreover, the weight and size of the EV also impacts the range. The weight of the EQV electric vehicle is nearly 3 tonnes.
This luxurious family e-MPV has a claimed emission-free electric range up to 350 km (WLTP) on a full battery charge. Of course, the real-world range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include, weight. Other factors, include: driving profile, weather conditions, road conditions, regenerative braking profile and more! For the EQV expect a real-world e-range closer to 300 km. Though not class-leading, the EV still offers sufficient zero-emission electric range for most day-to-day driving needs, to include, motorway driving.
The EV can be rapid fast 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 45 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 the 22 kW myenergi EV charger, the EQV electric car can be fully charged in 10 hours. Single-phase 7.4 kW charging will take longer (up to 14 hours 30 minutes). We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight at home, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper. Also, given the continued escalation in energy prices, we encourage the installation of solar panels at home for charging the EV!
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 performance of the front-wheel drive (FWD) EQV passenger electric van will not set the heart racing, but that is not the core purpose of owing an MPV! The pure electric EQV has a top speed of 160 km/h and can achieve 0-100 km/h in 12.1 seconds (max power: 204 hp/ torque: 366 Nm).
The EQV has ample headroom and legroom for all passengers, to include a boot space of 1,410 L. To further enhance the practicality, Mercedes has incorporated side sliding doors, making entry and exit in tight car park spaces easy! The EV has up to 8 seats.
The luxurious EQV electric vehicle (EV) is packed with technology, to include: MBUX infotainment system controlled by voice and touchscreen (the MBUX uses artificial intelligence to predict personal habits overtime), pre-entry climate control and a host of driver assistance technologies. These include: lane keeping assist, traffic sign assist, blind spot assist, adaptive brake light, active brake assist and more! The Mercedes-Benz EQV is available to lease via e-zoomed at fantastic prices.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
A seven + seater electric vehicle | Limited EV range |
Practical and good boot space (1,410 L) | DC charging only limited to 110 kW |
11 kW 3-phase onboard charger as standard | An expensive MPV |
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQV MPV (credit: Mercedes-Benz)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | MPV |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (4 Options) |
---|
Mercedes EQV 300 Avantgarde: Long (from € 110,055) |
Mercedes EQV 300 Avantgarde Exterior Design Package: Long (from € 112,431) |
Mercedes EQV 300 Avantgarde: Extra Long (from € 111,160) |
Mercedes EQV 300 Avantgarde Exterior Design Package: Extra Long (from € 113,536) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 90 kWh |
Charging: | 110 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 45 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-100%: 10 hrs) |
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): | 1908 |
Width (mm): | 2249 |
Length (mm): | 5370 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 3430 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.8 |
Boot Space (L): | 1,410 |
EQV | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 90 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 344 – 350 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 293 – 289 |
Charging: | 110 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 45 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-100%: 10 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 12.1 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Max Power (hp): | 204 |
Torque (Nm): | 366 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 6 – 8 |
Doors: | 4 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,635 |
Colours: | 9 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Longest Range Plug-In Hybrid Electric Cars: Top 5
The continued improvement in the development of electric cars is not limited to only pure electric cars, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). In fact, we have also witnessed improvements for the latest-generation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In particular, increased range and lower emissions.
In the list below of longest-range PHEVs, all EVs have a claimed WLTP e-range over 100 km. Leading the pack is the Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid with an emission-free electric range up to 114 km. In regards to tailpipe emissions, Mercedes PHEVs top the list with tailpipe emissions as low as 13g (CO2/km), significantly lower compared to the conventional petrol or diesel variants!
Though historically, plug-in hybrids have played an important role in the migration from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles to all-electric cars, given the significant improvement in the e-range of pure electric cars, the role of PHEVs has reduced in importance. We can expect this trend to continue, as automotive manufacturers focus on developing and delivering pure electric cars. We at e-zoomed expect plug-in hybrid cars to become redundant in due course.
In general, we recommend buying a pure electric car, however, with those with very limited access to EV charging infrastructure and need to drive long distance on a regular basis, to consider a PHEV. Do keep in mind, for most families, day-to-day driving needs are limited to short journeys i.e. school runs, grocery store, gym, work, high street etc. Most of the latest-generation of pure electric cars can meet this need!
Brand/ Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Electric Range (WLTP) | Tailpipe Emissions (CO2/km) | Body Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mercedes-Benz C Class Plug-In Hybrid | 25.4 kWh | 104 km | 13g (CO2/km) | Estate |
Mercedes-Benz C Class Plug-In Hybrid | 25.4 kWh | 110 km | 13g (CO2/km) | Saloon |
Mercedes-Benz S Class Plug-In Hybrid | 28.6 kWh | 101 km | 19g (CO2/km) | Saloon |
Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid | 38.2 kWh | 114 km | 20 – 18g (CO2/km) | SUV |
Range Rover Plug-In Hybrid | 38.2 kWh | 112 km | 21 – 18g (CO2/km) | SUV |
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.