**Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX Sets New Efficiency Milestone in Arabian Desert**
Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX has once again showcased its exceptional efficiency by completing a long trip in the Arabian desert. The EQXX had previously completed two extensive journeys on a single charge, emphasizing its capability to cover long distances efficiently. This latest trip saw the EQXX travel 627.6 miles between Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a focus solely on maximizing efficiency.
**Impressive Performance Metrics**
During the trip, the EQXX maintained an average speed of 42.7 mph, including the time spent stopped, and 49.3 mph while in motion. With a maximum speed of 87 mph, the vehicle achieved an impressive average energy consumption of 8.4 miles per kWh. These figures highlight the EQXX’s ability to deliver exceptional efficiency even in challenging conditions, as the temperatures soared up to 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit, putting the battery and climate control systems to the test.
**Innovative Heat Pump Technology**
Mercedes-Benz utilized a “multi-source heat pump” in the EQXX to manage the impact of air conditioning on efficiency during the desert journey. The automaker emphasized that this technology had a minimal negative effect on efficiency, showcasing the effectiveness of the heat pump system. A more advanced version of this heat pump was also showcased in the Concept CLA-Class at the 2023 Munich auto show, hinting at its inclusion in upcoming EV models under Mercedes’ new efficiency-focused platform.
**Solar Roof Integration**
One of the standout features of the EQXX is its solar roof, which is equipped with 117 solar cells to power ancillary equipment and reduce energy consumption from the battery pack. The roof harvested 1.8 kWh of energy during the trip, adding approximately 15 miles of driving range. Mercedes is actively researching the production possibilities of this technology, hinting at potential future applications in luxury vehicles.
**Future Production Models**
The successful desert trip of the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX serves as a preview of the brand’s upcoming EV lineup based on the Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. With a strong emphasis on efficiency, Mercedes aims to bring the innovative technologies and performance metrics of the EQXX to its production models. The holistic approach to weight reduction and efficiency showcased by the EQXX bodes well for the future of electric mobility under the Mercedes-Benz umbrella.