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Mercedes-Benz has flooded the newswire today, sharing multiple press releases surrounding its EV technology. Today’s news includes more granular details relating to its upcoming EQE SUV, as well as first images and specs for the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV that will soon join it. There is A LOT to unfold here, so let’s hop right in..

Mercedes–Benz is still in the early phases of rolling out its EQ line of electric vehicles, as works to eventually become an all-electric luxury automotive brand. This transition began with the EQS sedan, which was soon followed by the smaller EQE model.

In addition to EQC and EQB models, Mercedes has been teasing a seven-seat EQS SUV, scheduled to arrive later this year. Naturally, Mercedes, has followed the same production path as its sedans by also introducing plans for an EQE SUV.

The public caught its first glimpse of the EQE SUV’s interior this past August, with a promise from Mercedes for more details this fall. Here we sit in mid-October and Mercedes-Benz has made good on its word. It shared not one, but three different press releases today, outlining details of the EQE SUV and beyond. Let’s start with the standard version.

Mercedes’ EQE SUV will arrive with up to 342 mile range

According to its press release today, the EQE SUV will come more compact than its sedan counterpart, but more still spacious inside. Mercedes-Benz expects the EQE SUV to offer similar range to the EQE sedans, estimating WLTP over 550 km (342 miles) for European versions.

The SUV’s chief engineer Dr. Oliver Röcker spoke to some of the EV’s highlights:

Our large Mercedes-EQ models are so full of innovations that I find it difficult to pick out individual highlights. Even I, as a technician, am always thrilled by the futuristic architecture of the interior with the MBUX Hyperscreen. But, as is typical of Mercedes-Benz, we didn’t leave it at this visual “wow effect”. With the camera-based blocking logic of the front passenger display, we have added a truly customer-centric technical innovation to the imposing screen band. This allows the front passenger to watch TV during a journey, for example, without distracting the driver. And so I could list many more large and small examples of the innovations in this model family – from A for the assistance systems to Z for zero layer.

The SUV’s lithium-ion battery consists of ten modules, and its management software, developed in-house, allows for over-the-air (OTA) updates to keep energy management up-to-date. This press release alone is 35-pages long, so we recommend checking it on your own time. Here, we’ve highlighted some the key specs you can expect to see. Spoiler alert: We don’t have pricing yet.

  • Available in single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD
  • Charging Capacity
    • 9.6 kW (AC)
    • 170 kW (DC)
  • Trunk volume (without/with seats down): 18.4/20.5-59.2 cubic feet
  • Length/width/height: 191.5/76.4/66.4 inches
  • Wheelbase: 119.3 inches (3.5 in shorter than EQE sedan)
  • Plug & charge capable
  • Heat pump standard
  • DIGITAL LIGHT headlamp technology (optional add-on)
    • Projects auxiliary markings or warning symbols onto the road

There’s plenty more to uncover, but we’re going to move onto the high-performance AMG version of the EQE SUV, which also made its official debut today.

Mercedes-AMG introduces performance EQS SUV as well

In Mercedes second press release today, it offered the public its first look at the AMG version of the EQE SUV, which will arrive with less range, but higher performance and a unique look only the German performance unit can deliver.

Although Mercedes-AMG has already developed performance versions of other EQ line electric vehicles, this will be its first-ever SUV. The companies have taken the base design of the EQE SUV outlined above and have elevated it both inside and out. Per the release:

Two powerful electric motors and fully variable all-wheel drive form the basis for the hallmark AMG dynamic driving experience. The Mercedes-AMG developers have also designed many other parameters independently. These include the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with Adaptive Damping System, rear-axle steering and AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL – an AMG-specific roll stabilization system. Added to this are the AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE and exterior and interior design.

On the exterior, the AMG black panel radiator grill comes with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome, integrated Mercedes star, and “AMG” lettering. A new feature seen in the images above is the brand-specific badge on the hood with the AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes star – its first time present on a purely electric vehicle from Mercedes-AMG. The front end also features an AMG-specific fascia, painted in body color with A-wing in high-gloss black and chrome trim.

Inside the SUV, the dashboard features an instrument panel and belt lines in Space Grey MB-Tex with red topstitching. The door center panels transition from the center console into the instrument panel in black microfiber and more red topstitching, accented by an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather with a flattened bottom, perforated grip area, and silver aluminum adjustment paddles. Other unique details include AMG sport pedals, AMG floor mats, and illuminated door sill panels with “AMG” lettering.

The AMG version of the EQE SUV can be equipped with an optional MBUX curved Hyperscreen that extends from A-pillar to A-pillar, complete with three separate screens inside one piece of glass. Its here that future drivers will be able to select from several different driving characteristics, using Mercedes-AMG’s AMG DYNAMIC SELECT programs:

Drive Program EQE SUV Output Level
Slippery 50% (308 hp)
Comfort 80% (493 hp)
Sport 90% (555 hp)
Sport+ 100% (617 hp)
RACE START without Boost function 100% (617 hp)
RACE START with Boost function
(included in AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package)
110% (677 hp)

Much like the original EQE SUV press release, there are tons of specs and granular descriptions of the upcoming EV inside and out, so we highly recommend checking them all out for yourself. If you’re in a rush however, here’s a pretty decent breakdown of all the pertinent specs available on the AMG version.

Drive System AMG Performance 4MATIC+
fully variable all-wheel drive
Rated Output 617 / 677 with AMG
DYNAMIC PLUS Package
Rated Torque 701 / 738 with AMG
DYNAMIC PLUS Package
Battery Capacity (usable) 90.6 kWh
Recuperation Capacity 260 kW
AC Charging Rate 9.6 kW
DC Charging Rate 170 kW
Cargo Capacity (Seats up/down) 18.4-59.2 cubic-feet
Curb Weight /  Gross Vehicle Weight / Max. Payload 5,930 / 7,044 / 1,113 lbs.
Towing Capacity (braked / unbraked) 3,968 / 1,653 lbs.
0-60 mph Acceleration Estimated 3.4 seconds
(with AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package)
Top Speed 137 mph (149 mph with
AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package)
Range (WLTP) 375–470 km (provisional) /
233-292 miles

Pricing and availability

According to Mercedes-Benz, the standard version of the EQE SUV will begin production this December at the automaker’s US facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Batteries will be supplied from its nearby facility in Bibb County, which currently also provides EV batteries to the EQS SUV.

Based on those two factors, Some version of the EQE SUV could eventually qualify for federal tax credits under revised terms laid out by the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act. However, the pricing threshold for electric SUVs to qualify is $80,000 or less. We do not yet know where this electric SUV will land with its starting MSRP, but hopefully at least some trim level of it qualifies for credits since its being built on US soil.

Although we don’t have pricing for the AMG version either, we’d expect that US consumers opting for the performance model probably won’t qualify for tax credits at the federal level. They may still qualify for state exemptions however. We will be able to confirm however, once we get official pricing for both versions, which should come closer the the beginning of sales. stay tuned.

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Workhorse electric delivery vans arrive in Canada this spring

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Workhorse electric delivery vans arrive in Canada this spring

Following approval from Transport Canada, EV startup Workhorse will be bringing the W56 and W750 model electric delivery vans to commercial truck dealers in Canada as early as this spring.

Workhorse first showed its W56 medium-duty electric truck at Indiana’s Work Truck Week in 2023, and has sold the trucks to logistics and delivery companies like FedEx and Pride Group – which ordered more than six thousand of the electric vans in 2021, and continues to expand its fleet.

“This is a major step forward for Workhorse,” says Josh Anderson, Workhorse’s chief technology officer in a press statement. “Pre-clearance from Transport Canada opens up a large new market for our products throughout Canada, including with fleets that operate across borders in North America.”

As part of the approval process, Workhorse completed its registration as a foreign manufacturer under Transport Canada’s Appendix G clearance program. Transport Canada confirmed the vans’ compliance with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) for both vehicles – but it remains to be seen if and how the latest tariff-driven trade war between the Trump Administration’s US and Canada will impact Workhorse’s plans to expand throughout North America.

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Despite that uncertainty, Workhorse execs remain upbeat. “We’re excited that our electric step vans can now reach Canadian roads and highways, providing reliable, zero-emission solutions that customers can depend on,” added Anderson.

Canadian pricing has yet to be announced.

Electrek’s Take

FedEx Places First Order for 15 Workhorse W56 Step Vans to Grow Zero-Tailpipe Emission Fleet
FedEx electric delivery vehicle; via Workhorse.

There’s no other way to say it: the Trump/Musk co-presidency is disrupting a lot of companies’ plans – and that’s especially true across North American borders. But in all this chaos and turmoil there undoubtedly lies opportunity, and it will be interesting to see who ends up on top.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Workhorse, via Electric Autonomy Canada.

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Liebherr developing giant, 140-ton Segway-style autonomous haulers [video]

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Liebherr developing giant, 140-ton Segway-style autonomous haulers [video]

The new Liebherr S1 Vision 140-ton hauler is unlike any heavy haul truck currently on the market – primarily because the giant, self-propelled, single-axle autonomous bucket doesn’t look anything like any truck you’ve ever seen.

Liebherr says its latest heavy equipment concept was born from a desire to rethink truck design with a focus only on core functions. The resulting S1 Vision is primarily just a single axle with two powerful electric motors sending power to a pair of massive airless tires designed carry loads up to 131 tonnes (just over 140 tons).

The design enables rapid maintenance, as important components easily accessible for quick servicing. Wear parts can be replaced efficiently, and the electric drive significantly reduces maintenance work. This helps to minimise downtimes and increases operational efficiency.

LIEBHERR

Because of its versatility, durability, and ability to perform zero-turn maneuvers that other equipment simply can’t, the Liebherr S1 Vision can be adapted for various applications, including earthmoving, mining, and even agriculture. There’s also a nonzero chance of this technology finding applications supporting other on-site equipment through charging or fuel delivery.

The S1 accomplishes that trick safely with the help of an automatic load leveling system that ensures maximum stability, even on bumpy or rough terrain. The company says this technology significantly reduces the risk of tipping while providing smooth and secure operation across various environments.

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Liebherr will show the S1 Vision at this year’s bauma equipment exhibition in Munich, Germany. The design has already been nominated for the bauma Innovation Award in the Mechanical Engineering category – and my money’s on it winning.

Electrek’s Take

This is such goofy, stupid fun that if it was wheelbarrow-sized I’d have three of them. I can’t imagine the insanity of watching one of these things roll across a job site with 100 tons of granite in the bucket – and will have nightmares about the kind of damage it could do if it flipped out like a poorly made Chinese hoverboard clone whipping a toddler across a living room … which, in fairness, would probably get a billion views on Instagram or TikTok or whatever.

I can’t wait.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Liebherr.

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Meet the newest EV from Hyundai – new HX19e electric excavator

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Meet the newest EV from Hyundai – new HX19e electric excavator

The HD arm of Hyundai has just released the first official images of the new, battery-electric HX19e mini excavator – the first ever production electric excavator from the global South Korean manufacturer.

The HX19e will be the first all-electric asset to enter series production at Hyundai Construction Equipment, with manufacturing set to begin this April.

The new HX19e will be offered with either a 32 kWh or 40 kWh li-ion battery pack – which, according to Hyundai, is nearly double the capacity offered by its nearest competitor (pretty sure that’s not correct –Ed.). The 40kWh battery allows for up to 6 hours and 40 minutes of continuous operation between charges, with a break time top-up on delivering full shift usability.

Those batteries send power to a 13 kW (17.5 hp) electric motor that drives an open-center hydraulic system. Hyundai claims the system delivers job site performance that is at least equal to, if not better than, that of its diesel-powered HX19A mini excavator.

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To that end, the Hyundai XH19e offers the same 16 kN bucket breakout force and a slightly higher 9.4 kN (just over 2100 lb-ft) dipper arm breakout force. The maximum digging depth is 7.6 feet, and the maximum digging reach is 12.9 feet. Hyundai will offer the new electric excavator with just four selectable options:

  • enclosed cab vs. open canopy
  • 32 or 40 kWh battery capacity

All HX19es will ship with a high standard specification that includes safety valves on the main boom, dipper arm, and dozer blade hydraulic cylinders, as well as two-way auxiliary hydraulic piping allows the machine to be used with a range of commercially available implements. The hydraulics needed to operate a quick coupler, LED booms lights, rotating beacons, an MP3 radio with USB connectivity, and an operator’s seat with mechanical suspension are also standard.

Like its counterparts at Volvo CE, the new Hyundai excavator uses automotive-style charging ports to take advantage of existing infrastructure at fleet depots and public charging stations. More detailed specifications, dimensions, and pricing should be announced by bauma.

Electrek’s Take

HX19e electric mini excavator; via Hyundai Construction Equipment.

The ability to operate indoors, underground, or in environments like zoos and hospitals were keeping noise levels down is of critical importance to the success of an operation makes electric equipment assets like these coming from Hyundai a must-have for fleet operators and construction crews that hope to remain competitive in the face of ever-increasing noise regulations. The fact that these are cleaner, safer, and cheaper to operate is just icing on that cake.

SOURCE | IMAGES: HD Hyundai; via Construction Index, Equipment World.

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