Mercedes’ electrical G-Class will use a brand new battery chemistry from American agency Sila, the automaker confirmed Tuesday in a press launch.
Based in 2011, Sila has developed a high-silicon anode materials the corporate claims can increase power density by 20% to 40% over present lithium-ion battery chemistries, to greater than 800 wh/l on the cell degree.
Elevated power density means extra power might be saved in a given area, permitting for extra vary with out growing the dimensions of the battery pack.
Mercedes-Benz EQG Idea
Mercedes, which invested in Sila in 2019, plans to start utilizing the corporate’s cells mid-decade for an extended-range model of the G-Class EV. Cells will probably be manufactured at a Washington State manufacturing unit utilizing 100% renewable power, the businesses declare.
Mercedes is the primary publicly introduced automotive buyer for the manufacturing unit, and plans to broaden use of the brand new cells to different fashions after their debut within the G-Class.
Scheduled to launch in 2024, the electrical G-Class was previewed by final yr’s EQG Idea. That idea had a ladder body, much like the present G-Class, housing the battery modules. 4 electrical motors—one for every wheel—offered energy, whereas a shiftable 2-speed gearbox dealt with off-road gear discount.
Mercedes-Benz EQG Idea
On the time of the idea’s unveiling, Mercedes mentioned it deliberate to check production-intent variations on the 4,741-foot Schöckl Mountain in Graz, Austria, on the finish of growth to show the EV’s off-road chops. The mountain has a 3.5-mile off-road course with gradients as much as 60 levels.
In the meantime, an up to date model of the present G-Class is anticipated to reach quickly. We have already seen prototypes of the usual model, AMG G63 efficiency model, and a high-riding 4×4 Squared model out testing. The revised G-Class is anticipated to debut later this yr as a 2023 mannequin.
