Mercedes-Benz just stepped up the electric car game with a production-ready version of its SLS AMG E-Cell which it claims is the fastest electric power series production vehicle yet.
Revealed at the Paris Motor Show yesterday, the new SLS AMG Electric Drive coupe will go on sale in left-hand drive only from June 2013, priced at €416,500 (around £331,743), although Mercedes say they are considering producing right-hand drive models for the UK.
But what’s the big deal about this car? Well, besides costing nearly twice as much as the combustion SLS AMG, a car that in itself is hardly a cheap run-around at £168,425, the new electric car’s performance figures are eye-watering; with four electric motors producing a total output of 740hp (552kW) and maximum torque of 1000 Nm. That means a 0-62 time of 3.9 seconds.
"The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is setting new standards for cars with electric drives. As the most powerful gullwing model ever, it is also representative of the enduring innovational strength of Mercedes-AMG. Our vision of the most dynamic electric vehicle has become a reality. With the help of our colleagues at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, we are bringing exciting advanced technology from the world of Formula 1 to the road," according to Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
With four electric motors, the model is essentially four-wheel drive unlike the rear-wheel driven combustion model.
The 400 volt, 60 kWh lithium ion battery pack delivers a driving range of 155 miles and enables the car to reach an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. Using a 22kW fast charger, the battery can be recharged in around three hours, or else it can take a lot longer-up to 20 hours using a domestic charge.
The electric drivetrain was developed by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach, the same teams which develop Mercedes F1 team vehicles and the KERS hybrid concept.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
September 28, 2012
Filed under: Mercedes
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