'Game-changer' new battery type sees Mercedes EV travel 748 miles on one charge
The Mercedes EQS is the first car to be fitted with a solid-state battery, which offers a higher energy density, quicker charging times, improved safety and a longer lifespan
A Mercedes EQS equipped with a solid-state battery has completed an impressive 748-mile journey on a single charge. The vehicle embarked on its journey from Stuttgart, Germany, to Malmo in Sweden without needing to recharge its battery, finishing the trip with 85 miles of range remaining.
The car was powered by a solid-state battery, which boasts a higher energy density, resulting in improved range and faster charging times. Additionally, the removal of the flammable liquid electrolyte enhances safety, and a solid-state unit outlasts a traditional lithium-ion battery.
The standard EQS is available with either a 96kWh or a 118kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering claimed electric ranges of 409 miles and 481 miles respectively.
Mercedes-Benz Group's chief technology officer, Markus Schäfer, stated: "The solid-state battery is a true game-changer for electric mobility. With the successful long-distance drive of the EQS, we show that this technology delivers not only in the lab, but also on the road.
"Our goal is to bring innovations like this into series production by the end of the decade and offer our customers a new level of range and comfort."
By the end of the decade, Mercedes aims to incorporate solid-state battery technology into its cars, making the transition to electric vehicles more feasible for potential buyers.