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Daimler’s concept car uses bio-based materials, has solar tech on roof

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DaimlerGerman auto giant Volkswagen has revealed details about a prototype electric vehicle that is powered by solar technology and biobased materials. The car has a range exceeding 1,000km (around 621 mi) with one full charge.

It Vision EQXX has 117 roof-based solar cells — the idea is that they can help to boost the car’s range — while the vehicle’s interior incorporates materials including a leather alternative called Mylo.

Mylo can be made using mycelium. Daimler describes it as “the underground rootlike structure for mushrooms.”

Daimler stated that the car is bio-based certified, meaning it’s made primarily from natural ingredients. Deserttex biomaterial, which is based on cactus and carpets made of bamboo fiber are some other materials that were used to make the car.

Markus Schafer (Daimler’s chief tech officer for procurement and development), stated Monday that the technology behind the concept car would “define” and allow future Mercedes-Benz models.

Schafer had previously announced detailsA LinkedIn post towards the end last year showed the range of the vehicle. Daimler stated Monday that the figures for range were preliminary and are based upon digital simulations of real traffic conditions.

It would be a relief to range anxiety if an electric car could travel more than 621 miles per charge under real-world conditions. This is because EVs cannot travel for long periods of time without running out of power, or getting stranded.

The range of electric cars is growing as technology improves. Tesla’s Model S Plaid claims a range of 396 mi, and Lucid says the Lucid Air Dream Edition Range boasts a range of 520 mi (official EPA rating).

CNBC Pro provides more details about electric vehicles

Vision EQXX is the latest example of car manufacturers looking for different materials to make their vehicles.

Volvo Cars stated in September it would like all its models. to be leather-free by 2030.According to the Swedish company, 25% of its cars will be made of “recycled and bio-based material” by 2025.

In 2019, Elon Musk’s TeslaIt claimed that the Model 3’s interior was 100% leather-free. Elsewhere Porsche — a brand owned by the Volkswagen Group — offers customers a leather-free option for the interior of the all-electric Taycan.

Supply security

Daimler’s Schafer attempted to show how the future of supply chains will change as technology advances in an interview with Annette Weisbach on Tuesday.

“If you take a look at the car below, [the Vision EQXX]What does the car have to be able to drive? Software, chips and battery are all necessary for the new car.

“And lots of these items are new items … they were not needed in the past, so the purchasing team, logistic teams, they need a new focus,” he said.

We are now looking more closely at the raw materials and entering the supply chain. [the]Battery, taking a look at the semiconductors and where they are made.”

Also, he was asked whether Europe should be doing more to secure and produce the semiconductors and commodities needed for the automotive industry.

He said, “Yeah. I think absolutely Europe should do this.” “Right now we depend very much on other parts of the world and we should … change that.”

“So, while we should focus our European investments on the production of semiconductors, we must also look at raw materials that can be used to produce battery cells.”

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