SLS Official: Electric Drive Train of upcoming Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[siko]

New swing-wing model with purely electric high-tech drive system: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive – the exciting future of the super sports car
PRESS RELEASE
Jul 16, 2009

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 AMGwith 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 optimised 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 AMGdelivers 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.

"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 AMGperformance," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Optimum 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 swing-wing model was being developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG. 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:

The installation of the drive components required no changes whatsoever to the swing-wing model's aluminium 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 AMGcontinuing to pursue their aim of minimising 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.

[Source: Daimler]

 

[Merc1]

Humph....now what was that nonsense about Mercedes not being with the environmental times? If produced this will be an in your face supercar that is "socially acceptable" and all that jazz.


M

 

[Centurion]

Expect this drive train to spread across the upper spectrum of the MB line-up i.e S, SL and CL. What has me puzzled is capacity and reach. Having to constantly charge the car doesn't sound like much fun to me. The technology is a bit premature for me right now and will probably not buy an electric car until they are quick to recharge and have a long reach.

All these early adapters models are bound to have horrible resale value as they'll become obsolete over night when electric cars enter the phase of rapid advancement. Sort of like buying a flat screen TV, 3-6 years ago.

 

[vabboud]

very nice marketing gimmick by mercedes.

a) build a flagship super car, already to be sold at a high premium low number and dubious profitability.
b) use it to prove MB doesn't need anybody to build a sports car that handles, essentially marking a twist int the AMG way of doing things.
c) whore market it before it is released to make it perceptually the best thing since sliced bread.
d) before it is revealed slap in immature electric tech that would definitely not be technically and realistically usable in this case.
e) whore market it as the best green invention since human feces as natural compost, sell it in very small (2 figure numbers) with a loss and capitalize on MB being the greenest car maker with an electric supercar.
f) use it to hide the fact most mercedes engines are a generation behind anybody else in the market except the americans, with relatively high consumption.

WOW, MB marketing is one upping BMW creative marketing on this one!

 

[LaArtist]

^lol
By 2013 this car will be vastly improved and diffrent i suspect..

 

[NarutoRamen]

very nice marketing gimmick by mercedes.

That's exactly what this is, a gimmick. Of course, you can't really blame them though. Everyone is jumping on the "Green" bandwagon, why not MB?

 

[bum-man]

Heh, imagine the possibilities with 4 individual motors at each wheel. 0 degree turning radius baby!
Some cool shit.

 

[Centurion]

very nice marketing gimmick by mercedes.

a) build a flagship super car, already to be sold at a high premium low number and dubious profitability.

It is most certainly not a vanity project, this car will be as profitable as an SLS. The engine, gearbox, center console, satnav and thousands of other components will be shared by the entire AMG range. Only the structure and chassi will be exclusive to this car. Everything else will be found in the next gen S, SL, CL, facelifted E63 AMG and other cars. This is the reason the car will be much more affordable than the SLR which had nothing in-common with any other Mercedes.

 

[Merc1]

I read where the next SL will be based in part on this chassis or use certain pieces of it. Hopefully that will mean much lighter weight and better handling with no ride penalty.


M

 

[Pagani]

The next SL will indeed partake into the brand new aluminium structure of the SLS. Which makes the next SL quite a bit lighter. Also, I am impressed by the e-drive, though I see it as far more relevant to the Rest of the Mercedes range. I wonder how this electric supercar sound, what with no exhaust outlet, or an engine!

 

[bmer]

This is the reason the car will be much more affordable than the SLR which had nothing in-common with any other Mercedes.

Really? What about the steering rack from the A-Class? Or the interior parts:

After the drama of the doors and getting in, the interior is rather disappointing. If you’ve sat in any recent Mercedes model you’ll recognise most of the switchgear, the SLR initially feeling little different to an SL. The stereo and navigation unit is similar to the ones you’ll find in an A-Class, and all the other switches and controls are familiar to various Mercedes models. Yet, look more closely and some SLR specific highlights become more apparent. The speedometer badged McLaren reads all the way to 360kph (224mph) and the neat speaker covers in the door ape the cooling vents on the front wing. There are also other controls not present in other Mercedes models, like the one for adjusting the rear spoiler, but really, if it weren’t for the big SLR badge rather unsubtly emblazoned on the centre console you could easily forget that this is a bespoke, 200mph, £313,540 missile.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2005 onwards model) - First Drives | Reviews | MSN Cars UK

 

[Wolfgang]

I noticed four transmissions, one at each motor. I believe they are supplied by Getrag.

 

[PC Valkyrie]

Brilliant........if they can truly deliver on their promise of supercar performance with zero emisssions. If so, why not?

 

[Wolfgang]

Coming in 2013.

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[Pagani]

Great overall idea, which nonetheless will be a green-status accessory for a while longer.

 

[Wolfgang]

Here's a bit more about the eTWIN transmissions which may be used in the SLS AMG electric drive.

High-Performance Drive Unit for Sporty Slectric Driving

The electric drive unit 1eDT330 - also called eTWIN - of the eDRIVE product line from GETRAG offers the ideal basis for purely electrically driven sports cars

It is currently the highest performance electrical drive unit in GETRAG's eDRIVE product line

The unit has two electric motors that deliver their power separately by means of two partial transmissions located in one housing and via side shafts to the left or right vehicle wheel.

The dual transmission has an extremely compact design and is driven by two permanently excited synchronous machines that guarantee a sporty driving experience with their high maximum performance of 2 x 150 kW (1). With its maximum driving torque of 3300 Nm, the transmission achieves a maximum speed of 250 km/h (2). By means of a corresponding intervention in the regulation of the electric motors, the electric drive unit 1eDT330 additionally enables the option to set the wheel torque individually depending on the driving condition (torque vectoring).This function improves the directional stability when accelerating out of turns, among other things. In addition, the transmission has a manually actuated parking lock. An integrated mechanical oil pump is responsible for lubrication of the anti-friction bearings and the gear wheel stages. The electric motors are cooled with water. The differential function is regulated directly by the two electric motors. A mechanical differential is therefore not required.

(1) At a nominal voltage of the electric energy storage device of 400 V
(2) Depending on the wheel diameter, the maximum permissible speed may vary

Source: GETRAG Corporate Group

 

[Centurion]

It's a shame that Getrag is a private company -- I was just tempted to buy some of their shares.

Interesting layout with the use of four individual motors. 2013 seems about right. Although Tesla has already brought an electric car to market, Mercedes are taking the right decision in allowing battery technology to catch up and motors increasing in efficiency -- so that electric cars become a real viable option to consumers and not just a novelty for wealthy individuals who want to live the Jetsons' life before everyone else.

 

[Wolfgang]

The range seems to be a bit on the low side with the first generation of batteries?


SLS AMG electric drive (4 electric motors)

0-60: 4 seconds (estimated)
range: 110 miles (estimated)


Tesla Roadster (1 electric motor)

0-60: 3.9 seconds
range: 244 miles