Electric Cars: The Basics
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The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
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 EQS is the first pure electric luxury SUV from Mercedes, and is part of the Mercedes EQ electric mobility family. The electric vehicle (EV) has been designed and developed from-the-ground-up. Luxury does not come cheap at this premium level, but for those families and businesses keen on refinement, practicality and an environmentally-friendly ultra-premium SUV, few EVs can compete with the Mercedes EQS SUV.
From the perspective of electric driving, the electric SUV has much to offer. For a start, the onboard EV battery size is 108.4 kWh, which is certainly an above average size, and the claimed zero-emission electric range is up to 587 km (WLTP). Even adjusting for the real-world driving conditions, the e-SUV should be able to deliver over 500 km on a full charge. Bottom-line, the EV is not only luxurious, but also practical, for short and long distance driving.
Despite the surge in energy prices, driving an electric car continues to remain cheaper, compared to driving a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol or diesel SUV. For those charging at home, in particular, leveraging the advantages of on-site solar or wind generation, the cost per km for driving an electric car can be lower than 10 cents.
On-site green energy generation (solar or wind), will help achieve well-to-wheel zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. There are a number of suitable solar compatible EV chargers on the market. Our favourite solar EV charger is the myenergi zappi, which can be sourced via e-zoomed.
It is true, in that, the majority of EV charging is done at home, usually overnight. However, for those that travel long-distances on motorways on a regular basis, the electric EQS is well positioned for public charging. The EV is capable of ultra-rapid charging up to 200 kW DC.
Put another way, it will take only 31 minutes to charge the EV battery from 10% to 80% via a 200 kW DC charger. Of course, the key is finding an ultra-rapid DC charging station en route. Also worth noting is that DC public charging is more expensive than charging at home!
For those charging at home, in all probability, you will be charging using a single-phase (7.4 kW AC) EV charger like zappi. Do keep in mind that most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply. At 7.4 kW AC, it will take up to 16 hours and 45 minutes to achieve a charge from 10% – 80%.
We recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way, charging times will be shorter. Regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Mercedes offers a class-leading 10 years or 250,000 km warranty.
With those with access to three-phase (22 kW AC) EV charging at the workplace or public charging destinations, the EV can be charged up to 80% in 5 hours 30 minutes. The manufacturer offers a 22 kW AC (three-phase) onboard charger as standard.
The EV is being built at the Mercedes-Benz Bibb Country/Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As part of the broader strategy to use renewable energy for its production facilities, the Bibb County site’s entire electricity needs will be met through renewable energy sources from 2024. Mercedes is also committed to responsible mining of raw materials like cobalt and lithium, used in EV battery production. The company has adopted the IRMA standard for responsible mining.
The EQS is equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which can be controlled via voice, touch or gesture. The infotainment system can overtime predict personal habits using artificial intelligence (AI).
The EV also has on offer, ZYNC, the Mercedes premium-in-car digital entertainment platform, to include, over 1,500 hours of readily available content! Mercedes offers the Hyperscreen package at an additional cost. The Hyperscreen has 3 displays blended seamlessly. The central display is 17.7-inch and the passenger display is 12.3-inches.
The electric car is also equipped (like the case with other EQ models) with an external acoustic warning to alert pedestrians or cyclists at speeds under 30 km/h. Of course, one of the advantages of electric driving is the blissful silence in the cabin!
Mercedes continues to push the boundaries on safety features. The EQS SUV incorporates a new Digital Light headlamp, which the automotive manufacturer claims is ‘like a projector with more than one million pixels per headlamp and responds with brilliant light to changing traffic, road or weather conditions’.
Other safety features available, include: active blind spot assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active distance assist DISTRONIC, active traffic sign assist, active speed limit assist and more!
In terms of performance, the EQS electric SUV does not disappoint. The EV is available in three powertrain variants. The entry-level rear-wheel drive (RWD) EQS 450+, the all-wheel drive (AWD) EQS 450 4MATIC and the all-wheel drive (AWD) EQS 580 4MATIC. The all-wheel drive EQS 450 4MATIC can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6 seconds (max power: 360 hp/ torque: 800 Nm).
The all-wheel drive EQS 580 4MATIC can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds (max power: 544 hp/ torque: 858 Nm). The top speed of the e-SUV is 210 km/h. Impressive, despite the weight of the vehicle (2.8 tonnes). Of course, the EV also delivers instant torque. In terms of practicality, the EQS electric SUV offers 5 seats. The EV offers boot space up to 565 L.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Good electric range and practical (up to 7 seats) | Available in only one EV battery size |
| Technology filled | Expensive |
| 22 kW AC onboard charger and 200 kW DC charging as standard | All-wheel drive is not standard on all variants |
Gallery
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV (credit: Mercedes-Benz)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (4 Options) |
|---|
| Mercedes EQS 450+ SUV (from € 139,880) |
| Mercedes EQS 450 4MATIC SUV (from € 144,145) |
| Mercedes EQS 500 4MATIC SUV (from € 155,280) |
| Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC SUV (from € 168,265) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 108.4 kWh |
| Charging: | 200 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 31 mins). Onboard charger 22 kW AC (10%-100%: 5 hrs 30 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 10 years or 250,000 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): | 1718 |
| Width (mm): | 2157 |
| Length (mm): | 5125 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 3210 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.0 |
| Boot Space (L) | 565 |
| EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 108.4 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 587 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 21.2 – 21.0 |
| Charging: | 200 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 31 mins). Onboard charger 22 kW AC (10%-100%: 5 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 210 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6.0 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Max Power (hp): | 360 |
| Torque (Nm): | 800 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | Up to 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,805 |
| Colours: | 7 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| EQS 580 4MATIC SUV | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 108.4 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 587 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 21.2 – 21.0 |
| Charging: | 200 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 31 mins). Onboard charger 22 kW AC (10%-100%: 5 hrs 30 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 210 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Max Power (hp): | 544 |
| Torque (Nm): | 858 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | Up to 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,810 |
| Colours: | 7 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Ireland: EV Market Overview
As is the case in a number of global markets, to include, the European Union and the United Kingdom, the sale of electric cars in Ireland is also fast gaining momentum. In 2022, a total of 23,356 new electric cars were registered in Ireland. BEVs commanded the highest market share (67.13%), between the different types of electric cars, with PHEVs commanding just over 30% market share. The majority of the plug-in hybrids registered were petrol plug-in hybrids, with only very few diesel plug-in hybrids registered.
We can expect this trend to continue, given the significant increase in electric range, affordability and choice of pure electric cars in Ireland. Top EV brands in Ireland in 2022: Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, BMW and Volvo. Other popular electric car brands include: Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot and Audi.
In January 2023, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), accounted for over 20% of all new cars registered in Ireland. A total of 3,674 BEVs and 1,900 PHEVs were registered. The all-electric IONIQ 5 was the best-selling EV in Ireland in January 2023.
The government has set a target of 936,000 electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, with 845,000 to be private passenger cars. This will be approximately a third of the vehicles on roads in Ireland (currently there are 2.8 million vehicles on the road). Like many other governments, Ireland is committed to ending the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2030.
The government is committed to the rapid adoption of electric cars in the country. The Department of Transport has committed€100 million for EV subsidies in 2022 (almost double the commitment in 2021). The grant for private electric vehicles is up to€5,000 on qualifying battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), do not qualify for the electric vehicle grant.
| Top 5 Electric Cars (2022) | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 12.77% |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | 4.99% |
| Tesla Model 3 | 4.47% |
| Kia EV6 | 4.09% |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | 3.96% |
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.
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