Electric Merc due here 2019

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand confirms it could have the all-electric EQC SUV here in late 2019.

The electric Merc is expected to go into production next year.

Testing is being held in Spain during the northern hemisphere summer, mainly to see how dry heat affects the battery, Electrek reports.

Photos have been released from the tests.

The EQC – the company’s electric brand – has a 70kWh battery pack with a 500km range, although Electrek thinks it’s more likely around 400km real-world range.

Mercedes-Benz intends producing 10 EQC models by 2022.

Earlier this year, the production prototype was shown during winter testing and prototypes were tested in May in Germany’s Black Forest.

“With the finishing straight in sight, we are now able to absolve another extremely demanding test programme with our pre-series vehicles,” EQC chief engineer Michael Kelz says.

“But after successfully completed endurance tests in winter at minus 35 degrees C, we are confident that the heat trials will confirm that we are well on schedule for the start of series production.”

Temperatures in Spain can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius.

High heat exposure carries the risk of battery damage, Electrek

says.

So the tests will consider optimum management and how the battery copes with high power requirements, whether operating range is affected and what happens when the battery is completely drained of power.

The EQC SUV is equipped with two electric motors on the front and rear axles for a 300kW total power output and is reportedly able to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in under five seconds.