Mercedes-Benz has pulled the plug on exams exploring range-extender drivetrains as a possible option to bolster the utility and attraction of its electrical vehicles, Autocar understands.
The know-how that had been trialled makes use of a specifically tailored combustion engine as a generator to cost the battery when it runs low.
Nonetheless, regardless of starting a complicated engineering programme, the agency has determined to concentrate on easier and cheaper battery-electric drivetrains, a supply conversant in Mercedes’ automobile improvement actions confirmed.
“Now we have created [range-extender] prototypes based mostly on current fashions, each for packaging and highway testing. Ultimately, although, we concluded that the range-extender drivetrain is a transitional know-how with a comparatively short-term profit by way of gross sales and relatively excessive manufacturing prices,” mentioned the high-level insider.
Among the many range-extender Mercedes prototypes is an EQS-based mule. It’s claimed to function a front-mounted turbocharged 1.0-litre two-cylinder engine – basically half of the turbocharged ‘M254’ 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine used by way of its line-up – to behave purely as a generator with out direct drive to the wheels.
The compact petrol engine is modified with Miller-cycle thermodynamic prototypes aimed toward enhancing constant-rev effectivity. It additionally incorporates a front-mounted exhaust system, waiving the requirement for prolonged pipework by way of to the rear.
Energy for the prototype is delivered by a rear-mounted electrical motor creating 268bhp and working together with a floor-mounted lithium ion battery.
Electrical power for the battery, described as having a capability roughly half of that utilized by the manufacturing EQS, is offered by conventional AC and DC plug-in charging. The 2-cylinder engine is used to create back-up electrical energy in conditions the place plug-in charging shouldn’t be out there or potential.
Within the Mercedes prototype, the petrol engine is mixed with a gas tank of unspecified capability, giving it a theoretical vary, Autocar has been advised, past the 487 miles of the rear-driven EQS 450+.
Consideration has turned to range-extender electrical autos following their rising reputation in China. Conscious of the shortage of EV charging infrastructure in second- and third-tier cities, many automobile makers there have begun to supply range-extender choices alongside pure-electric drivetrains in chosen fashions.
Amongst these providing range-extender fashions on this planet’s largest EV market is Li Auto. Based in 2015, the Beijing-based firm bought 376,030 autos in 2023 – all that includes a range-extender drivetrain to alleviate vary nervousness and supply a substitute for plug-in charging in areas the place an acceptable charging infrastructure doesn’t but exist.
