NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO • January 4, 2022
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new futuristic and sustainable electric concept car — one that could one day take drivers from New York City to Detroit on just a single charge. The car can travel roughly1,000 kilometers, or about 620 miles, on a single charge based on computer simulated testing. By comparison, many electric cars can go about 300 miles on one charge. The futuristic concept car, unveiled on Monday, was designed with sustainability in mind. The interior of the VISION EQXX is free of animal products — its seats are made of mushroom fibers and cactus fibers. The carpets are made of bamboo, and the interior plastic is made out of trash that would typically be in a landfill. Using these materials halve the carbon footprint of leather. The battery takes up 50% less space and weighs 30% less than batteries with similar capacity. The car also features solar panels across the roof.