Mercedes-Benz is investing heavily in the future of electric vehicles (EVs) with an annual research and development budget of seven to eight billion euros. As the EV market expands, the company is addressing key challenges like limited range and maintenance issues in braking systems. Recently, Mercedes introduced two innovative solutions aimed at solving these problems: solar-powered paint to extend range and a new braking system designed specifically for electric vehicles.
Solar Paint for Extra Range
One of the biggest hurdles for electric vehicles is range, especially for long trips that require frequent charging stops. To address this, Mercedes has developed a unique solar paint that converts sunlight into electricity. The solar coating consists of a thin photovoltaic layer underneath a colored nanolayer. This allows up to 94% of sunlight to pass through, enabling the solar cells to operate at an efficiency of 20%, similar to conventional solar panels.
With this technology, a mid-sized SUV could gain up to 12,000 kilometers of range per year, using solar power alone under ideal conditions. The photovoltaic layer is incredibly thin (just five micrometers) and light (50 grams per square meter), meaning it won’t affect the vehicle’s design or weight. The electricity generated can either be used directly during driving or stored in the vehicle’s battery.
Advanced Braking System for Lower Maintenance
Another challenge for electric vehicles is brake wear. Since regenerative braking handles most of the braking, traditional mechanical brakes are rarely used. However, this can lead to rusting and unpredictable wear on the brake components.
Mercedes has developed a new braking system that is directly connected to the electric motor and works on the principle of a clutch mechanism. The system includes multiple water-cooled brake discs that operate in a sealed environment, capturing brake dust and reducing environmental impact. The water cooling ensures the brakes remain effective even during heavy use.
This new brake system is designed to last for 300,000 kilometers or 15 years without requiring maintenance, significantly lowering the cost of ownership for electric vehicle owners. Additionally, the compact design allows for closed rims, reducing air resistance and possibly increasing the vehicle’s range.
Augmented Reality to Enhance the Driving and Buying Experience
In addition to the technological advancements in power and performance, Mercedes is also looking to enhance the user experience through augmented reality (AR). With AR glasses, passengers could see route information or details about nearby businesses directly in their line of sight. The passenger seat could also transform into a virtual cinema seat at the press of a button, providing more entertainment options.
Mercedes is also exploring how AR could change the car-buying experience. Potential buyers could virtually experience a car, seeing real-time simulations of color changes, interior options, and even door movements, all without needing a physical vehicle. This could be done either at a dealership or from home, using AR devices like Apple’s Vision Pro.
Looking Ahead: Mercedes’ EV Future
While these technologies are still in development, they highlight Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle innovation. The solar paint and advanced braking system are expected to play a key role in future EVs, particularly those built on Mercedes’ new Modular Architecture (MMA). With these exciting advancements, Mercedes is set to lead the electric vehicle market, with even more breakthroughs expected in the coming years.
