Mercedes-Benz Unveils Battery System for New Flagship Electric Sedan, the EQS
With Mercedes announcing their new electric car, the EQS, it is also expanding in innovative battery production. The German automaker says their battery outperforms Tesla's/
March 26 2021, Published 10:44 p.m. ET
One of the earliest adopters of the electric vehicle movement, Mercedes-Benz, has had difficulty establishing itself as a stalwart brand in the EV space. However, that is about to change as the automaker announced Tuesday a new battery system to go along with a new flagship electric sedan—the EQS.
Due to launch on April 15, the EQS will be Mercedes’ first vehicle to run entirely on an electric system and underscore a new frontier for the German automaker.
Along with an expanding line-up of electric vehicles, Mercedes is looking to produce state-of-the-art battery packs to help it become a formidable rival to Tesla.
Mercedes is investing in battery production.
Mercedes' new EV is already under production at Mercedes’ Stuttgart-Hedelfingen factory, looking to ramp-up its global battery production quickly.
This initiative into electric vehicles is anchored by an entire value-chain approach from initial research and cell production to the batteries’ afterlife, including recycled applications and disposal.
The Mercedes-Benz Drive System Campus at the Untertürkheim site will be the epicenter of their research and development in the EV sector.
Mercedes' new battery out-performs Tesla's and Lucid's—so far.
The new Mercedes EQS will be equipped with various battery layouts enabling different ranges and performance outputs.
Mercedes claims the battery boasts a range that exceeds the 412-mile range of Tesla’s Long Range version of the Model S. This innovation will put even more emphasis on Tesla to keep up if it wants to continue the unrivaled success it’s enjoyed for a decade.
According to Mercedes, the new EQS battery pack will feature "CO2-neutrally produced cells," including an 8:1:1 ratio of nickel, cobalt, and manganese. That reduces the cobalt content by around 10% compared to previous cell chemistries, Mercedes said.
However, Mercedes’ reign at the top may be short-lived. Lucid Motors revealed a version of its Air sedan that features a 517-mile range, while Tesla’s Model S Plaid+ slated for late this year is estimated to get 520 miles.
Regardless, the progress in innovation from multiple auto-makers is a good sign for consumers looking for diversity in the electric vehicle options. Additionally, increased competition between EV manufacturers will help EV prices cover a broader spectrum for consumers of all budgets.
Expect more EV cars from Mercedes in the near future.
The EQS is classified as a large sedan and will be comparable to the existing S-Class in Mercedes’ lineup with an interior on par with the automaker's flagship sedans.
Along with the EQS, Mercedes also unveiled the EQA compact crossover SUV, although it won’t be offered alongside the EQS just yet. Plans are for the EQA to become available sometime in 2022.
In addition to the two announced models, Mercedes is expected to announce two more EVs in 2021. The EQB will be based on the GLB-Class and a smaller version of the EQS—the EQE—is also on the way.
While Mercedes plans a U.S. rollout of the EV lineup over the next two years, SUV versions of the EQS and EQE will be built in Tuscaloosa, Ala., later in 2022.
