EV breaks distance record on single charge

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【Summary】A team of student engineers from the Technical University of Munich has set a new world record for distance on a single charge with their electric vehicle, muc22. The car traveled 1,599 miles (2,574 km) in a six-day test, despite having a small battery capacity of just 15.5 kWh. The muc22 has a top speed of 26 mph (42 km/h) and weighs 374 lbs (170 kg). It achieved an impressive efficiency of 103.2 miles/kWh, equivalent to traveling 3,815 miles on a single gallon of gas.

FutureCar Staff Sep 14, 2023 11:24 PM PT

EV breaks distance record on single charge

It seems like student engineers are on a roll setting world records. Just recently, a team from Switzerland set a new record for the fastest electric vehicle. Now, we have another impressive feat accomplished by students from the Technical University of Munich.

Their creation, the muc22, may not look as flashy as the Swiss speedster, but it was built with efficiency in mind. In a six-day test at Munich airport, the muc22 set a new distance record on a single charge for a non-solar EV. It traveled an astonishing 1,599 miles with just 15.5 kWh of battery capacity, which is less than many plug-in hybrids.

Unlike high-performance hypercars, the muc22 prioritizes practicality over speed. With a top speed of just 26 mph and a weight of 374 lbs, it is a lightweight and aerodynamically optimized vehicle. Its streamlined design, faired-in rear wheels, and a drag coefficient of 0.159 contribute to its impressive efficiency.

When the muc22 was initially unveiled in 2022, it featured a pair of 440 W electric motors. However, for this record-breaking run, the car made do with just 400 W. Despite its modest power output, the muc22's motor design and gallium nitride inverter set it apart from conventional production cars.

The record-breaking run took place in an empty hangar at Munich Airport, ensuring no interference from weather conditions. The team of seven drivers surpassed the previous record of 999 miles in just four days. With the battery still not empty, the muc22 continued to push the boundaries.

The final distance covered by the muc22 broke the existing record by an astonishing 60 percent. It achieved an incredible efficiency of 103.2 miles/kWh or 0.6 kWh/100 km. To put it in perspective, it's like traveling 3,815 miles on a single gallon of gas.

While the muc22's record is impressive, it's likely that even better numbers will be achieved soon. Mercedes is set to launch an electric CLA next year, which will utilize powertrain technology showcased by the Vision EQXX concept. Last year, the EQXX concept demonstrated its capabilities by driving 747 miles on a single charge. Additionally, the efficiency of its test mule, a boxy B-Class SUV, was noteworthy.