Mercedes Vision AVTR concept revealed with breakthrough battery tech

This is the Mercedes Vision AVTR concept. It’s the result of a partnership between the German car company and the team behind the Avatar movie franchise.

Revealed for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Mercedes says the AVTR (Advance Vehicle Transformation) concept ‘embodies the vision of Mercedes-Benz designers, engineers and trend researchers for mobility in the distant future.’

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The concept does not preview any future production vehicle but Mercedes has confirmed it sets a new benchmark in terms of performance and technology for its EQ Power range of electric vehicles. It’s powered by a 110kWh battery, which for the first time, is based on graphene-based organic cell chemistry. Mercedes also claims such a battery is 100 per cent compostable due to its design.

The battery powers four high-performance electric motors, one for each wheel, that combine to deliver a total power output of 469bhp. Mercedes says the concept can travel up to 434 miles on a single charge.

The Vision AVTR is also able to move sideways by approximately 30 degrees, in a similar way to a crab, due to the design of the front and rear axles. The idea is to maximise agility and movement.

Speaking about the Vision AVTR, Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius, said: “The result highlights completely new ways of intuitively connecting humans and machines – without wooden sticks, plastic knobs or a steering wheel. It takes sustainability to new levels through a fully recyclable battery, which is based on an organic cell chemistry and doesn’t need materials like nickel or cobalt.”

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The look of the Vision AVTR is quite unique and unlike any other concept car Mercedes has created. Mercedes calls it an ‘inside-out’ design structure, combining the interior and exterior as one.

Rather than a steering wheel, Mercedes has fitted a multi-function element on the centre console that controls the car. Placing a hand on the unit brings the car to life, and the car is then able to recognise drivers and passengers by their breathing patterns and heartbeat. Lifting the hand then projects a virtual in-car menu onto the driver’s palm.

On the outside, 33 ‘bionic flaps’ on the back of the concept are said to be reminiscent of reptile scales. The movements of these flaps control air flow, while also allowing the car to communicate with the world and pedestrians around it.

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