When Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new, radically styled EV concept, expectations were high. Stuttgart was under the impression that the Vision EQXX would perform well in real-world testing, but the results were outstanding. In a European continental test, the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX covered over 1,000 km on one single charge.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX set out on a trip to drive through congested European cities and high-speed motorway systems

The ideal conditions for testing an EV to find maximum range would undoubtedly be consistent speeds, temperature, and traffic. However, that was not the case for this EV journey. Mercedes-Benz launched the real-world experiment from its home in Stuttgart, Germany, to the port town of Cassis in France. According to Car and Driver, the temperature ranged from 37 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX was not just up against the weather, but also the road conditions. In cities like Stuttgart, the Vision EQXX faced traffic density as well as stop-and-go speeds. In between those cities, the EV concept cruised on open motorways with an average speed of 54 mph, according to The Verge. Don’t let that convince you that the Vision EQXX had a slow cruise throughout. Car and Driver reports that the Vision EQXX drove at speeds up to 87 mph on Germany’s famed Autobahn highway systems.

The results are in: the Mercedes-Benz EQXX performed one of the most extensive single-charge EV trips on record

When the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX arrived in France, the final distance was over 621 miles or 1,000 kilometers. An EV covering that distance is not that difficult to believe, but the fact that the trip was conducted on a single charge is impressive. Considering that the Lucid Air Grand Touring is the North American market leader in EV range with 516 miles, the Vision’s feat is that much more incredible.

Even more impressive is the fact that Mercedes-Benz pulled off the test with a 100-kWh battery. That 100-kWh battery is also an evolution in lightness. Car and Driver reports that the Vision EQXX’s battery weighs just 1,091 pounds. That battery pack weighs just 37% of the new GM Hummer EV’s battery pack, and low weight is essential for efficiency. Mercedes-Benz also complimented the lightweight battery pack with light construction, like the use of a lightweight composite-based solar panel.

In addition to lightness, the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX finished the test with a mold-shattering average of 8.7 kWh per 100 km traveled. Beyond the better battery practices, Mercedes-Benz accomplished record-breaking efficiency by modifying the weight and shape of the car. For instance, the Stuttgart automaker made the rear track narrower to prevent the wheels from disrupting the vehicle’s aerodynamic profile.

What does this mean for Mercedes-Benz’s future EVs

With this test completed, Mercedes-Benz has established itself that much more as an authority in EV development. The result is the next step in EV efficiency. The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX concept and its legendary road test have exciting implications for the future of EVs.