Electric Cars

The Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept vehicle has significantly redefined the benchmarks for electric vehicle endurance and long-distance travel, setting an astonishing 25 new records during a rigorous testing campaign. This groundbreaking achievement, which included covering over 24,901 miles in less than eight days, showcases the immense capabilities of advanced EV technology. The vehicle's success is a testament to its powerful 850 kW charging infrastructure and innovative battery design, signaling a new era for electric performance cars.

The intensive eight-day trial took place at Italy’s Nardo ring, a renowned high-speed test facility. During this period, the sleek four-door electric sedan, equipped with Bluetooth-controlled aerodynamic elements, completed an astounding 3,405 miles in a single 24-hour period. This feat significantly surpassed the previous 24-hour distance record by nearly 1,000 miles, demonstrating a remarkable leap forward in EV range and efficiency. The vehicle maintained a consistent speed of 186 miles per hour, pausing only for rapid recharges, a critical factor enabled by its cutting-edge 850 kilowatts charging capacity.

A dedicated team of 17 drivers, including the accomplished F1 driver George Russell, participated in the demanding test, working in two-hour shifts around the clock. Their collective effort pushed the Mercedes-AMG GT XX to traverse a distance equivalent to the Earth's circumference, completing 24,901 miles in just 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes, and 7 seconds. Remarkably, two GT XX EVs completed the challenge with only a two-lap difference, underscoring the consistency and reliability of the technology. Beyond the 24-hour record, the vehicle established new longest distance records for durations spanning 12, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 hours.

Underpinning this extraordinary performance are the GT XX's three oil-cooled Yasa axial flux electric motors, collectively generating over 1,360 horsepower. These motors, with two at the rear and one at the front, are integrated into high-performance electric drive units. The rear units feature compact gearboxes and inverters housed together, while the front electric drive serves as a booster, engaging only when additional power is required, thus maintaining a predominantly rear-wheel-drive configuration. The vehicle's battery system is equally impressive, utilizing newly developed cylindrical nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA) cells with an energy density of 300 watt-hours per kilogram. With over 3,000 cells in the pack, each individually temperature-regulated by a non-conductive oil cooling system, and a rated voltage exceeding 800V, the GT XX can handle over 850 kW from potent DC fast chargers. This allows for approximately 248 miles of range from just five minutes of charging, a capability that substantially mitigates concerns about range and charging anxiety for electric vehicle users.

This pioneering concept car provides a clear glimpse into the future of Mercedes-AMG's upcoming four-door production EV. The performance showcased by the GT XX sets a high bar for the series production model, indicating that similar levels of efficiency and speed will eventually be available to consumers. Furthermore, the advanced technologies and innovations demonstrated in the GT XX are expected to trickle down to more accessible Mercedes-Benz models over time, democratizing high-performance electric capabilities and reinforcing the brand's commitment to electric mobility.

A recently introduced NACS to CCS1 extension cable, though promising to alleviate common issues faced by non-Tesla electric vehicle owners at Tesla Supercharger stations, has been met with skepticism from experts. This innovative product, aiming to tackle both cable length limitations and compatibility challenges, reportedly falls short in critical areas, particularly concerning user safety and charging efficiency. The findings suggest that while the concept is appealing, the current iteration of the device is not yet ready for the broader market, emphasizing the need for robust safety features and improved performance standards in such charging accessories.

Details of the Charging Accessory Evaluation

In a recent assessment, charging expert Tom Moloughney scrutinized a new five-foot extension cable from Hansshow, designed to bridge the gap between Tesla's Supercharger infrastructure and non-Tesla electric vehicles (EVs). This product uniquely combines a NACS (North American Charging Standard) to CCS1 adapter with an extension cord, a seemingly ideal solution for EV models like the Rivian R1T, Rivian R1S, and Ford F-150 Lightning, which often struggle with the short cable reach of Tesla's V3 Superchargers and require a CCS1 connection. Priced at approximately $600, this accessory is currently the sole commercially available NACS to CCS1 extension of its kind.

Despite its dual functionality, Moloughney's evaluation, conducted at various Supercharger locations, unveiled several significant drawbacks. A primary safety concern highlighted is the NACS connector's release button, which only detaches the extension from the Supercharger cable without terminating the charging session. This design flaw poses a substantial risk of electrical arcing if the cable is disconnected while power is still flowing, potentially endangering users. Although Hansshow's instructions advise users to stop charging via the vehicle's port or the Tesla app before disconnecting, Moloughney pointed out the common tendency for users to disregard manuals, advocating for a more intuitive and safer design where the release button automatically halts the charging process.

Beyond safety, performance issues were also observed. The extension cable is rated for a maximum of 250 amps and 1,000 volts, yielding a theoretical maximum power of 250 kilowatts. However, many modern EVs demand higher amperage, often exceeding 500 amps, to achieve optimal charging speeds. Testing revealed that charging a Ford F-150 Lightning from 10% to 50% using the Hansshow extension took 30 minutes, whereas a standard NACS to CCS1 adapter completed the same task in just 24 minutes. Furthermore, attempts to charge a Gen1 Rivian R1S proved problematic; the vehicle repeatedly stopped charging due to the cable overheating, displaying error messages, or simply refusing to continue, despite working correctly with a regular NACS to CCS1 adapter at the same location. These inconsistencies underscore the cable's limitations in meeting the diverse power requirements of contemporary EVs.

This report underscores the nascent stage of such multi-functional charging accessories. While companies like A2Z are also developing extension cords, their NACS to NACS version is still in development. The broader implication for EV owners is the potential voiding of vehicle warranties if unapproved third-party charging equipment leads to damage. Therefore, a thorough understanding of product specifications, adherence to safe operating procedures, and consultation with certified experts are paramount before integrating such new technologies into personal charging routines.

From a journalist's perspective, this situation underscores the critical balance between innovation and safety in the rapidly evolving EV ecosystem. While the demand for versatile charging solutions is undeniably high, particularly as more non-Tesla EVs gain access to the extensive Supercharger network, companies must prioritize rigorous testing and incorporate fail-safe mechanisms into their products. The findings regarding Hansshow's extension cable serve as a stark reminder that convenience should never come at the expense of safety or compromise vehicle integrity. For consumers, the takeaway is clear: exercise caution and conduct diligent research before investing in aftermarket charging accessories. The industry, meanwhile, should aim for universal standards and integrated safety features that protect users and vehicles alike, fostering trust and accelerating the adoption of electric mobility without unnecessary risks.