EQ Session VI: EQC intelligence: The e-drive operating strategy

EQC drivetrain

• The EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures)* vehicle concept is designed to meet all the requirements of a battery-electric drive system. The clever interplay between components is crucial.
• The key components of the EQC drivetrain include:
  • The drive unit (eATS) and an intelligent drivetrain controller.
  • The battery, which is the heart of the EQC, has a capacity of 80 kWh (according to NEDC). It is a highly complex system consisting of cells, battery management, housing, cooling, sensors etc.
  • One induction machine at the front and one at the rear.
    Together, the electric machines, the transmission with fixed gearing and differential, the cooling system and power electronics make up a highly integrated and compact unit.

• In addition to the AC-charging standard, the EQC allows for fast DC charging with up to 110 kW. This means it can charge from 10 to 80 % SoC in approximately 40 minutes (provisional data).

• The battery power flows into the advanced e-drive system. The two asynchronous machines with a combined output of 300 kW are placed in the middle of each axle. Both machines are of similar build, but with a different layout. This setup is best for minimizing energy consumption and maximizing dynamics. It gives the EQC the superior driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive and offers a great driving experience:
  • Front axle: optimized for efficiency, mainly at low to medium load range.
  • Rear axle: optimized for performance.
  • Sophisitcated decoupling decreases NVH and saves energy.
  • Combined, the maximum torque of both electric motors is at 765 Nm.
  • Torque shifting with 100 % variable power distribution.
• The EQC supports its drivers through different driving programs with different characteristics – from sporty to efficient. The haptic pedal plays a major role in ensuring efficient driving behavior.

• If the driver selects the recuperation mode, he or she can adapt the recuperation performance with the help of the paddles behind the steering wheel. There are five different levels of recuperation. The highest level makes one-pedal driving possible, because in most situations the recuperative deceleration is enough not to require operation of the brake pedal.

Intelligent systems

• Efficiency is further increased with the help of sensor data from radars, maps and traffic sign recognition. With ECO Assist activated, the vehicle slows down and recuperates when its radar detects a slower vehicle ahead or when the data from navigation maps indicate upcoming speed limits, crossroads, roundabouts or slopes.
• These features make for an especially comfortable user experience, minimizing concerns about range by always letting the driver know where, when and how long to charge.

• With the Mercedes me app, the driver can check the charging status. Via the PreCon function, the pre-air conditioning can be set to when the drive is started. On request, drivers can receive a push notification when the charging process starts and ends. With Mercedes me charge, payments are simple and seamless, regardless of the electricity provider.

• With the EQC, MBUX comes with customized features for e-mobility. In addition, the voice assistant now distinguishes between driver and passenger voices, for instance when turning on the seat heating.

*Figures for power consumption and CO₂ emissions are provisional and were determined by the German Technical Service corporation. The range figures are also provisional. EC type approval and conformity certification with official figures are not yet available. There may be differences between the stated figures and the official figures.