Mercedes G-Class SUV must receive high-density silicon anode battery chemistry

The future electric version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV will use the chemistry of silicon anode batteries from the American company Sila, Mercedes confirmed in a press release on Tuesday.

Founded in 2011, Sila claims it high-silicon anode material can increase energy density by 20-40% compared to modern lithium-ion cells. Higher energy density allows you to store more energy in a given space, helping to increase the range without increasing the battery.

Mercedes, which invested in Sila in 2019, plans to use the company’s cells in the middle of the decade to expand the electric G-Class version. These cells will come from a plant in Washington State using 100% renewable energy, the company said.

Mercedes is the factory’s first publicly announced automotive customer, and after its debut in the G-Class plans to expand the use of the new chemistry to other models.

The EV G-Class was first teased in 2019and officially confirmed in 2021. It is currently planned to launch it in 2024.

Mercedes showcased the electric G-Class from last year EQG conceptwho didn’t look very far in the development cycle. The concept housed its battery modules in a ladder frame similar to the current G-Class, and had four electric motors – one on each wheel. The two-speed off-road gearbox handles downshifting.

The Mercedes-Benz EQG concept

When the concept was unveiled, Mercedes said it planned an off-road test for future production versions. They will be transported to the 44741-foot-high Sheckel Mountain in Graz, Austria, which has a 3.5-mile off-road course with a slope of up to 60 degrees.

Like the standard G-Class, the electric version will be the most durable version in the large lineup. Mercedes plans to switch to fully electric in some markets by 2030, thanks to three special EV platforms to be introduced in 2025.