Austrian battery startup Kreisel Electric GmbH and Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled an all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class luxury SUV.
Due to the compact design of the Kreisel battery system it was possible to install two battery packs under its hood and body panels with a total capacity of 80 kWh, for an estimated range of 300 km (183 miles).
The new battery technology allows for extremely fast charging with up to 150kW. In just 25 minutes the all-electric G-Class can be fast-charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity.
Several electric motors with reduction gears have been fitted directly onto the transfer gearbox while the main gear unit was eliminated. The all-electric G-Class puts 360 kW (490 HP) on the road and reaches a maximum speed of 183 km/h (113 mph). It can run from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) is 5.6 seconds, without affecting off-road capabilities in any way.
The all-electric G-Class differs externally only in details from the original version. Inside, the well-known high-quality environment presents itself, the original instruments have been elegantly adapted for the electric drive. Thus, the driver enjoys the accustomed luxury of the G-Class and, in addition, enhanced comfort through e-mobility.
“This amazing off-road vehicle as a clean and fast electric car? A dream has become real!,” said Schwarzenegger.
In the near future, Schwarzenegger will test drive the prototype in Los Angeles and continue to develop it further together with Kreisel Electric.
Kreisel Electric GmbH was founded by the three Kriesel brothers—Johann, Markus, and Philipp—two years ago, and is now fielding inquiries from established automakers. Kreisel Electric currently supplies electric powertrains for installation in existing vehicles, designs lithium-ion manufacturing infrastructure for OEMs, and builds one-off prototype cars.
