Rocky Road: Factors that Skew Range in Electric Cars Illustrated with Mercedes EQE Sedan on Großglockner High Alpine Road
Luxury Vehicle Crosses Großglockner Highway in Mercedes-EQE Premium Sedan
By Patrick Broich, Maria Alm
Connect with us: Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Copy Link
Ever wondered why electric vehicles' (EVs) actual range often lags behind the manufacturer's claims? The answer lies in our daily driving habits, temperature fluctuations, and battery degradation over time. In a captivating road trip around the breathtaking Großglockner High Alpine Road, we explore how these factors affect the Mercedes EQE sedan's driving range.
Our subject of interest is a sleek EQE model from the business-class series. Equipped with a generous 96 kWh battery and 292 PS, one might expect a 630-kilometer range at 98% state of charge, just like the display suggests. But what happens next? That precious energy doesn't vanish in thin air; instead, it's consumed in hills, valleys, traffic, and weather conditions.
As our electric Benz navigates the exhilarating 765 Newtonmeters incline without straining itself, you might be tempted to think that the 250 kilometers up and down wouldn't dent the range much. Guess again. After all, our EV glides effortlessly thanks to its impressive recuperation, reclaiming braking energy and minimizing the use of service brakes (four brake discs).
The Chiller on the Hill: Ascent vs. Descent
And once the peak is conquered, the fun begins. Downhill, the EQE barely break a sweat, using recuperation to decelerate almost entirely. In an ideal world, this scenario is perfect for an electric vehicle. Consistent downhill acceleration, less braking, and regenerated energy – a win-win situation. In an extended trip, the EQE even manages to achieve a staggering 15.7 kWh per 100 kilometers, beating its WLTP overall figure of 16.1 kWh. A remarkable feat, indeed!
However, this numbers game paints a skewed picture. In reality, an internal combustion engine would struggle to keep pace on this route, mainly due to the inefficiency of climbing steep inclines at higher speeds and the energy wasted on forced drives in low gears and high revs. But then again, not everyone drives like a race car driver, and we're all about real-world experiences here.
Appetite for Drain: Highway vs. Gorgeous Scenery
But hold on to your optimism, because the story takes a turn when we hit the highways. Although electric motors have a more operationally favorable range than internal combustion engines, they tend to dip below WLTP consumption figures on the highway for various reasons. One significant factor is air resistance, which grows exponentially at higher speeds, draining energy reserves faster than you can say "I wished I’d packed a charger"[1][5].
Remember those exaggeratedly comfortable seats in the EQE? Well, after 350 to 450 kilometers on the highway, even the most luxurious ride might need a pit stop for a charging boost. Mercedes is upfront about the longer charging breaks required, approximately 32 minutes for 10-80% at a peak charging power of 170 kW[1].
Comfort with a Catch: Range Anxiety and the EQE
Suddenly, our electric EQE driver faces a dilemma. On one hand, the car offers an indulgent business tourer experience with all-wheel steering, smooth air suspension, and ultra-comfortable seats. On the other, after perhaps 350-450 kilometers of highway driving, the first Supercharger stop beckons.
But let's not discount the EQE's capabilities. With a slightly lower consumption of 19 kWh per 100 km during highway driving under nominal conditions, it remains one of the more range-efficient luxury EVs on the market[1]. And the fact that Stuttgart's Mercedes-Benz isn't far from developing a vehicle with an 800-volt battery system, like the upcoming CLA, highlights their commitment to improving EV ranges[3].
It's an intriguing dance between comfort, efficiency, and the peace of mind that comes with a stable range. But let's be real – nobody ever complained about a highway drive with a派uschke and schnitzel in hand.
Enrichment Data:
Ranges are never entirely reliable due to factors affecting battery performance and energy consumption:
1. Battery Condition and Age
- Batteries gradually lose their capacity over time, leading to a decrease in driving range.
2. Weather and Temperature Influence
- Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, play a role in reducing battery efficiency, with cold weather having a more significant impact.
3. Driving Conditions and Style
- Real-world scenarios like city traffic, hills, and varying speeds cause real-world range to deviate from idealized lab conditions.
4. Use of Accessories
- Accessories like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems consume additional battery power, reducing range.
5. Charging Preferences
- Frequent fast charging can accelerate battery degradation, negatively impacting driving range.
6. Manufacturer Claims Variability
- Manufacturer-quoted ranges are based on standardized test cycles under controlled conditions. Real-world range fluctuates depending on the interplay of the aforementioned contributing factors.
Real-World Example
An EV with a 75 kWh battery and an efficiency of 3 kWh/mile – a range of 25 miles, according to manufacturer estimates – could suffer a 15-25% drop in range in real-world situations due to driving conditions, accessory use, and weather[1][5].
- The community policy should address the concerns of electric vehicle (EV) owners regarding the disparity between the manufacturer's claimed range and the actual range, focusing on factors such as daily driving habits, temperature fluctuations, and battery degradation over time.
- Vocational training programs could be introduced to equip individuals with the necessary skills to effectively maintain and optimize EVs, addressing issues like battery condition and age, weather and temperature influence, and driving conditions and style.
- In the interest of promoting a sustainable lifestyle, vocational training could also encompass the importance of technology, with a focus on electric vehicles, gadgets, and cars, including the efficient use of regenerative braking, optimizing charging strategies, and understanding the impact of accessories on battery life.
