Mercedes-AMG used a high-speed test track in Italy to shatter 25 records with its Concept AMG GT XX EV. This includes traveling “around the world” in fewer than eight days.
Mercedes-AMG set out to travel 40,075 kilometers (24,901 miles) in only eight days while showcasing the durability of the AMG electric drivetrain. This distance is equivalent to the Earth’s circumference at the equator.
The company surpassed its goal with two different vehicles. It reached 40,075 kilometers in 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes and 7 seconds. The driving team did not stop at that point, however. They continued racing around until both cars reached 25,000 total miles.
To achieve this goal, the driving team had to maintain an average pace of 300 km/h (186 mph) while only stopping to recharge. Once the battery recharged, the drivers headed back onto the track and accelerated back up to the required speed. This process continued day and night for nearly eight full days.
Mercedes also used chargers that provided power levels around 850 kW. This allowed the team to recharge enough in five minutes to race another 400 kilometers.
According to the Department of Transportation, a Level 1 charger puts out about 1 kW while a Level 2 charger puts out around 7 kW to 19 kW. A fast charging station will range between 50 kW and 350 kW.
According to Mercedes, the Concept AMG GT XX EV could have traveled faster. However, engineers ran multiple simulations and determined that the 300 km/h offered the balance between track speed and charging stops.
It was during this test that the Concept AMG GT XX EV broke a major record. It traveled 5,479 kilometers (3,404 miles) in 24 hours. The previous record for an electric vehicle was 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles).
The Concept AMG GT XX EVs featured several drivers
Setting out to travel the circumference of the earth in only eight days is not a simple undertaking. It requires a robust team of engineers, pit crew members, and emergency services personnel.
Additionally, Mercedes needed to bring in several drivers who could complete two-hour shifts behind the wheel. This helped split the workload and prevent some burnout.
The list included primarily GT drivers. Although a Rallye driver and two F1 drivers joined in on the massive undertaking.
The drivers were Ralf Aaron, Marc Basseng, Colin Caresani, Adam Christodoulou, Marvin Dienst, Cesar Gazeau, Marcel Marchewicz, Uwe Nittel, Doriane Pin, George Russell, Dominik Schraml, Dominik Schwager, Tom Schwister, Luca-Sandro Trefz, Norbert Siedler, Luca Stolz, and Fabian Vettel.
“As an F1 driver, I’m used to pushing technology to its absolute limits – the CONCEPT AMG GT XX really impressed me,” said F1 driver George Russell.
“The axial flux motors respond as immediately and precisely as a Formula 1 drivetrain, but with an endurance that I have only ever experienced with combustion engines. This technology will revolutionize the driving experience – both on the racetrack and on the road.”