All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Mercedes-Benz EVs will use solid-state batteries

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new solid-state battery that offers a 25 percent longer range in the EQS than the current battery. In the coming months, the manufacturer will conduct extensive laboratory and on-road testing to assess the durability and stability of solid-state batteries in real-world conditions.

The new solid-state battery, manufactured by American Factorial Energy, was installed in a modified EQS late last year, and thanks to it, the vehicle should have a range of more than 1,000 kilometers. This would be a significant improvement over the current 118 kWh battery in the EQS 450+, which allows a range of 800 kilometers on a single charge.

“Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re therefore excited to announce that we’ve started road testing with a prototype vehicle equipped with this advanced technology. We will gain crucial insights into possible series integration of this cutting-edge battery technology,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG.

Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, and offer higher energy density and longer range without increasing the size and weight compared to lithium-ion batteries. They also increase cell safety and enable the use of new anodes such as lithium-metal anodes, and are also safer to use.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Porsche Cayenne with 930 HP

The current generation Porsche Cayenne served as the basis for a new project by German tuner TechArt, called Magnum. It is a special equipment kit made of carbon fiber that takes the SUV to the next level.

The Porsche Cayenne is known for its excellent performance and good design, but the new carbon components make it even more impressive. The equipment kit includes a new front bumper with black elements and optional body-colored wings, a radiator grille, a new hood with two large air vents, wider wheel arches, new sills, and new exterior mirror housings. The Magnum is available in standard, Sport, Unique, and First Edition versions.

The Sport version offers a more aggressive diffuser with two centrally located exhaust pipes, like those of the Cayenne Turbo GT, as well as a carbon roof spoiler and a small lip spoiler. The Unique version offers more customization of the exterior and interior.

The First Edition offers the highest level of customization and uniqueness, such as individually numbered front wheel arches and a customized interior. This version is limited to just 25 units.

When it comes to the powertrain, TechArt has increased the power of the twin-turbo V8 engine to 930 hp and 1,100 Nm of torque. This is enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 330 km/h. The car is mounted on a set of 23-inch wheels with black, silver and carbon elements.

Source: TechArt

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STLA AutoDrive is Stellantis’ first automated driving system

Stellantis has developed its first automated driving system that enables hands-free and eyes-off driving (SAE Level 3), STLA AutoDrive. This system operates at speeds up to 60 km/h and is designed primarily for city traffic.

STLA AutoDrive is Stellantis’s response to similar competitor systems, which allows the driver to enjoy driving more because the car can now steer, brake and monitor traffic independently thanks to an advanced sensor system and automatic sensor cleaning that ensure stable operation. The driver can use this time for other tasks, such as answering emails or simply relaxing.

The system is designed on a flexible platform and supports cloud-based software upgrades, which will enable incremental functionality. At higher speeds, the system operates in Level 2 and 2+ modes (adaptive cruise control and lane positioning). At that moment, the driver’s attention is required so that he can intervene in time if necessary.

Also, Stellantis announced that in the future, some models could receive Hands-Free and Eyes-Off upgrades, which enable independent driving at speeds of up to 95 km/h and off-road autopilot.

Source: Stellantis