Electric mobility is all the rage at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show with Volkswagen, Audi, BMW among others showcased their e-powered creations. Mercedes-Benz too has committed to introduce as many as 10 electric cars in its line-up by 2022 which will include SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks. While the Project ONE is the showstopper at the Mercedes pavilion at Frankfurt, the automaker has pulled the wraps of the new EQA Electric Car Concept.The newest concept previews a compact electric vehicle from the automaker under electric sub-brand 'EQ', and possibly hints at the next generation A-Class hatchback as well.
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(The Mercedes-Benz EQA Concept will enter production in 2020)
The all-new Mercedes-Benz EQA Electric Car Concept gives a glimpse of the proportions that the new A-Class will carry. The concept is underpinned by the Modular Electric Architecture (MEA) platform that has been specifically developed for the company's upcoming EV range. The concept measures 4284 mm in length, 1811 mm in width and 1427 mm in height with a wheelbase measuring 2728 mm. This puts the electric hatchback in the same range as that of the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3. It is likely that the new next generation A-Class will carry similar dimensions as the EQA and is set to enter production in 2018.
(The black panel up front turns into the Panamericana grille in Sport+ mode)
The Mercedes-Benz EQA, however, is set to enter production in 2020 as a challenger to the BMW i3 and the production version of the Volkswagne ID concept.The concept gets quite a few unique elements that remains specific to the EQ range. The black panel up front mimics a radiator grille on the concept and can change its appearance according to the drive mode selected. For instance, in the Sport Plus setting, the Mercedes-AMG's Panamericana grille seen on the Mercedes-AMG GT R with its vertical struts will be on display. The car's headlights are integrated with the grille's design and feature laser LED fibre instead of diodes to lend a 3D look.
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(Power on the concept comes from 2 electric motor with a combined output of 268 bhp)
Power on the Mercedes-Benz EQA concept comes from two electric motors that are located at each axle and churn out a combined power output of 268 bhp and 500 Nm of peak torque. The EQA features a 60 kw flat battery pack that provides a range of up to 400 km in a single charge. There are two drive modes - Sport and Sport+. While the standard wall charging option is available on the EQA EV, Mercedes has also developed wireless inductive charging. The wall charging option also comes with a high speed charging option that will provide the juice for 100 km in 10 minutes.
(The EQA Concept also hints towards the next gen A-Class set for a 2018 launch)
Mercedes-Benz has said that the EQ range of the vehicles will have multiple performance levels for both power and range. The company's first launch from the new brand will be the EQC SUV that was displayed as a concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and will enter production in 2019, but it will be the EQA that is likely to be the company's most popular model and also the most affordable EV the company has to offer. Reports also suggest that the EQ compact range will be only slightly more expensive than the current compact models.
