Tech Insider / MERCEDES-BENZ EDU 2.0 REDUCING JOURNEY TIME IS THE KEY TO EV ADOPTION TIME FOR CHANGE Hopp believes that aside from energy efficiency, customers sometimes just need time efficiency – the ability to reach their destination more quickly. Efficient driving at higher speeds was demonstrated during the Concept CLA Class Project N high-speed record run at Nardò, where it completed 3,717km in 24 hours, recharging repeatedly and rapidly from 10% to around 55%. “We also learned that live telemetry exponentially accelerates development,” he reveals. UNIVERSAL DRIVE The new rear electric drive unit of the MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) drivetrain for all-electric vehicles EDU 2.0 has also been designed with repairability in mind. The inverter and other parts directly attached to the EDU can be replaced, for example. Adds Hopp, “When it comes to the whole drive unit, there will be a remanufacturing concept to repair in specialized areas so that we maintain the necessary high standards.” was designed for the high voltage levels” BATTERY OPTIONS A modular architecture will enable MMA-vehicle customers to choose between batteries with two different cell chemistries. Mercedes won’t comment on cell-supplier partnerships, stating only that its BEV batteries are manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in factories within the global battery production network. “The Accumotive battery factory in Kamenz, Germany, will be the first factory in the network to produce batteries for the new MMA platform models,” reveals Hopp. A premium pack featuring less cobalt than the predecessor battery will boast a volumetric energy density of 680Wh/l thanks to anodes in which silicon oxide is added to the graphite. The pack, with a gravimetric energy density The newly developed that is up to 20% higher than before, electric drive system will offer usable energy of 85kWh. Meanwhile, entry-level models will systematically come with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The volumetric energy density of this cheaper cell chemistry is 450Wh/l and the pack’s usable energy content is 58kWh. Hopp says that the efficient drivetrain has helped to keep both MMA battery packs compact. He also notes the switch to an 800V electrical architecture this time: “With the previous model series on the EVA2 platform [like the EQE/EQS], we showed that convincing charging performance and efficiencies could also be achieved with 400V technology. However, we determined, including in the context of the Vision EQXX [concept vehicle], that high-voltage systems offer further efficiency advantages, so we decided to upgrade the voltage level to 800V with the MMA platform. “From the very start, our completely newly developed electric drive system was systematically designed for the high voltage levels and can utilize all the advantages of this technology – from the air-conditioning compressor to the drive. It’s the first time it will be seen in entry-level vehicles like the CLA. “Of course, there are some challenges in implementing an 800V system. For example, applying all voltage-related dimensions and distances in bus bars and wirings to avoid current leakages.” He concludes, “However, in engineering, this is seen as a design condition from the very start and not as a challenging task.” 8 www.automotivepowertraintechnologyinternational.com / March 2025
Automotive Powertrain Technology International Automotive Powertrain Technology International March 2025 Issue: Page 8
