Electric Leak Shock – the Battery SLS!

Mercedes SLS Electric – Can the end of the fossil fuel burning, pollution causing internal combustion engine car be closer than we think?

Images of the electric-powered Mercedes-Benz SLS leak onto the internet right on cue. Known as the Mercedes SLS AMG E-cell concept, the car sheds its standard SLS AMG’s 571HP 6.3-liter V8 petrol engine to make place for four electric motors placed near the wheels effectively making it a four-wheel drive model. As a result, combined power output of the four motors is 519 bhp, while 649 lb ft of torque is produced. The E-cell can sprint from 0-62 mph in a claimed 4.0 sec.

Electric energy is provided by a 400-volt, liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack capable of a maximum output of 643 HP (480 kW). The pack is split between a box behind the cockpit and the centre tunnel.

Covered in a bright “AMG lumilectric magno" paint, the Mercedes SLS AMG E-cell sports a wider front grille, LED headlights, new air outlets on the bonnet, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels shod in 265/35 and 295/30 tires respectively. Inside you will find an upgraded 10-inch touch screen and new warning systems that indicate driver the state of the battery charge. Apart from this new black-and-white mix of leather and Alcantara on the seats, steering wheel, door linings, and center console conclude the interior changes.

A new rear diffuser produces more downforce, while multi-link front suspension with push-rod dampers up front due to compensate for extra space taken up by the front electric motors.

The price details are expected to be revealed some time in future. However it is most likely to be priced higher than $183,000 base of the standard SLS AMG. The production version of the Mercedes SLS AMG E-cell will be available by 2013.

Press Release:

Affalterbach – Mercedes-AMG is paving the way ahead: with the new SLS AMG with electric drive, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is developing an exciting super sports car with zero-emission high-tech drive. This model sees Mercedes-Benz and AMG displaying their expertise in the development of alternative drive solutions for high-performance super sports cars, delivering further proof of their pioneering status in this market segment.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive transforms the vision of powerful and locally emission-free super sports cars into reality thanks to an innovative drive system: powerful forwards thrust is provided by four electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm. The four electric motors are positioned near the wheels, substantially reducing the unsprung masses compared to wheel-hub motors. One transmission per axle transmits the power. This intelligent all-wheel-drive system allows dynamically optimized power transmission without any losses by means of Torque Vectoring – in other words the specifically targeted acceleration of individual wheels. In its first pilot phase, the SLS AMG with electric drive incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery of modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. The 400-volt battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whilst the car is being driven.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds
When it comes to dynamics, the electrically driven SLS AMG delivers an unequivocal statement: the swing-wing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds – putting it on the same high level as the SLS AMG with a 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW/571 hp.

For us, it is not just about responsibility.

Optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity
It is ideally packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way of example, the four electric motors and the two transmissions can be positioned near the wheels and very low down in the vehicle. The same applies to the modular high-current battery, whose modules are located in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats. Advantages of this solution include the vehicle's low centre of gravity and the balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum handling, which the electrically powered SLS AMG shares with its petrol-driven sister model.

Key data at a glance:

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive
Max. output 392 kW
Torque 880 Nm
0-100 km/h Approx. 4 s
Rated capacity 40 Ah (at 400 V)
Energy content 3x 16 kWh = 48 kWh

The installation of the drive components required no changes whatsoever to the swing-wing model's aluminum spaceframe body. And there were just as few constraints when it came to maintaining the excellent level of passive safety and high degree of long-distance comfort that are hallmarks of Mercedes cars.

Strategic alliance for fast electrification of the car
The electrically powered SLS AMG sees Mercedes-Benz and AMG continuing to pursue their aim of minimizing the amount of time it takes to bring about the electrification of the car. Their strategic involvement in Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG, will provide the battery technology required in future. Daimler has the leading role in this joint venture for the development and production of batteries and battery systems for automotive applications.