Mercedes-Benz is driving innovation in electric mobility with an annual investment of seven to eight billion euros in research and development. As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, Mercedes is addressing key challenges such as limited driving range and maintenance issues with braking systems. The company recently introduced two groundbreaking solutions: solar-powered paint to increase range and an advanced braking system designed specifically for EVs.
Solar-Powered Paint to Increase Range
One of the biggest concerns with electric vehicles is their range, especially on long trips where charging stops are required. To tackle this, Mercedes has developed a unique solar paint that captures sunlight and converts it into electricity. The paint consists of a photovoltaic layer beneath a colored nanolayer, allowing up to 94% of sunlight to pass through. This enables the solar cells to operate at an efficiency of 20%, comparable to traditional solar panels.
With this technology, a mid-sized SUV could cover up to 12,000 kilometers annually using solar energy alone, under ideal conditions. The photovoltaic layer is only five micrometers thick and weighs just 50 grams per square meter, ensuring that it doesn’t affect the car’s design or weight. The energy generated can be used during driving or stored in the vehicle’s battery.
New Braking System for Reduced Maintenance
Braking systems in electric vehicles face a unique challenge. Since regenerative braking handles the majority of braking, traditional mechanical brakes are rarely used. However, this infrequent use can lead to rust and wear.
To solve this, Mercedes has designed an advanced braking system tailored for electric vehicles. The system connects directly to the electric motor and utilizes a clutch mechanism. It features multiple water-cooled brake discs that work in a sealed environment, capturing brake dust and reducing environmental impact. The water cooling ensures the brakes stay effective, even during heavy use.
This new braking system is designed to last 300,000 kilometers or 15 years without requiring maintenance, significantly reducing operating costs. Its compact design also allows for the use of closed rims, which help lower air resistance and could further improve the vehicle’s range.
Virtual Reality Enhancements for the In-Car Experience
In addition to these innovations, Mercedes is exploring augmented reality (AR) to enhance the driving experience and the car-buying process. Using AR glasses, passengers could receive route information or details about nearby businesses directly in their line of sight. For entertainment, the passenger seat could transform into a virtual cinema seat with just the push of a button.
Mercedes is also working on using AR to revolutionize how customers experience car models. Buyers could explore vehicles virtually, viewing details such as color changes, interior configurations, and even door movements, all in real time. This could be done either at a dealership or from the comfort of home, using devices like Apple’s Vision Pro.
The Future of Mercedes Electric Vehicles
Though these technologies are still in development, they represent Mercedes’ commitment to innovation in the electric vehicle sector. The solar-powered paint and advanced braking system could play a key role in the company’s upcoming electric vehicles, particularly those built on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). With these cutting-edge advancements, Mercedes is positioning itself as a leader in the EV market, and we can expect more surprises in the future.
