Mercedes SLS AMG with Electric Drive Concept

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive transforms the vision of powerful and locally emission-free super sports cars into reality thanks to four electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm.

Boasts 526 hp and 880 Nm of torque

By Michael Gauthier
September 15, 2009 7:54 PM
Filed Under: Frankfurt Motor Show, German, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes has announced new details about the SLS AMG with electric drive.

The zero emissions supercar will use four electric motors with a combined output of 392 kW (526 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the car to rocket from 0-100 km/h in around 4 seconds, which puts it on par with the standard SLS AMG (0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds).

According to Mercedes, the motors are positioned near the wheels and are connected to one transmission per axle. This unique setup effectively gives the SLS AMG eDrive an intelligent all-wheel-drive system which optimizes power to each individual wheel.

The center tunnel of the SLS eDrive is dominated by a massive liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah (at 400 V). While details are limited, the battery is recharged by a regenerative braking system and a traditional plug-in unit.

Since Mercedes planned an electric SLS from an early standpoint, the company engineered the car to retain the same low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution as the petrol powered model. The foresight also allows Mercedes to build the electric SLS without making costly changes to the car's aluminum spaceframe.

In a statement, Mercedes-AMG GmbH's CEO Volker Mornhinweg said, "With the SLS AMG with electric drive, we wanted to redefine the super sports car. For us, it is not just about responsibility. We attach just as much importance to excitement and classic AMG performance."

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Press Release (Click to expand)

Mercedes AMG is paving the way ahead. In the form of the new SLS AMG with electric drive, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is developing an exciting super sports car with a zero-emission high-tech drive system. With this model, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are 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 forward 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 optimised power transmission without any losses by means of torque vectoring - in other words the specific, 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 regeneration 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 Gullwing 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.

“With the SLS AMG with electric drive, we wanted to redefine the super sports car. For us, it is not just an issue of responsibility. We attach just as much importance to fascination and classic AMG performance,” says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Optimal weight distribution and low centre of gravity

The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase when the new Gullwing model was being developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG. It is ideally packaged for the integration of 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 bulkhead, 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:

Peak output	392 kW
Torque	880 Nm
0-100 km/h	Approx. 4 sec.
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 Gullwing model’s aluminium space-frame bodyshell. 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

With the electrically powered SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are continuing to pursue their aim of minimizing the amount of time it will take to bring about the electrification of the car. The 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, whose mission is to develop and produce batteries and battery systems for automotive applications.