Future’s electric
Upon closer inspection of Bob Dylan’s 1964 single, The Times
They Are A-Changin’, reveals ominous undertones that are more relevant to the global motoring industry than ever before. It was deemed an anthem of change that predicted the future to those unwilling to adapt; and it is through his sonorous lyrics that we find the need to welcome a new era of motoring.
Hark back to the days of The Jetsons and you will note that propulsion had always been envisioned as electric, and with the calls to cull emissions burgeoning, the electric future has beckoned.
Cue the Mercedes-Benz Electric Intelligence (EQ) brand — the brand’s foray into the soon-to-be lucrative segment of electric mobility. We’ve seen it debut the productionready EQC internationally, and while it won’t reach our shores until 2020, we got the opportunity to learn more about its electric endeavours in the Silo District at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront — the stomping ground of famous designers like Es Devlin.
Mercedes-Benz is on the design offensive; affiliating its brand with various artistic aficionados like Devlin in order to create an alternative view of what electric mobility can provide for future generations. Though, those uneducated in the complexities of art will view her Zoetrope sculpture as just an arbitrary juxtaposition. However, its purpose is to highlight the seamless transition we would have adapting to an electric future; and that was apparently well-received among those versed in artistic interpretations. It’ll be open for a full year if you would like to try your hand at deciphering it.
At the heart of the event was the EQA Concept — which we first saw at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 2017. While the EQC’s geometry is akin to that of the GLC, the EQA will share similar proportions with the A Class when it debuts.
The EQA will utilise an electric motor on both the front and rear axle which promises 200kW and a 400km range. Of course, the disparity between the claimed mileage and actuality will have the naysayers bellowing range anxiety, but the development of a silicon lithium battery intends to hush their hasty bark. It promises a big bump in both range and power, but more crucially, Mercedes-Benz claims it will be able to charge from 10% to 80% in a matter of 40 minutes.
Electric vehicles are just one facet of Mercedes-Benz’s three-prong strategy towards their electrification future; plug-in hybrids and efficient combustion engines have also been on their agenda. SA will be the first African country to manufacture a hybrid vehicle when the production of the diesel hybrid C Class kicks off next year at Mercedes-Benz’s plant in East London. The plugin hybrid range is only available from the C Class upwards while the frugal petrol and diesel engines will eventually filter down into every model in the line-up.
The new four-cylinder diesel engine has a claimed fuel consumption of 3.9l/100km while its petrol sibling will feature a 48-volt on-board electrical system — basically making it “electric ready” I assume. The in-line six-cylinder has received the same treatment while the boisterous V8 has become the most economical engine of its kind.
The electric future is fast approaching, and who knows, I might work for a gentleman named Mr Spacely one day. Maybe not, but a future where the internal combustion engine is an uncommon sight on our roads might just happen in our lifetime, and Mercedes-Benz hopes to pioneer this segment in exactly the same way its founders did with the car itself many moons ago.