The new 62 kWh battery pack may arrive in the B-Class Electric Drive as well
The transfer of technology from western companies to Chinese firms is a reality whether you like it or not, and nowhere is this trend more obvious than in the automotive industry.
Take Germany’s Daimler for example and its joint venture with China’s BYD which has just unveiled an improved version of their DENZA electric vehicle. Featuring an upgraded battery, electric motor, and electronic control, the DENZA 400 is able to cover up to 400 km (248 miles) on a full battery charge, 100 km (62 miles) more than the previous version.
Made in China for the local market, the new EV features improved battery density that increases its capacity from 47.5 kWh to 62 kWh while retaining the original size. As a result, the DENZA 400 boasts more than double the range of the Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive with which it shares the platform. Naturally, this means the electric B-Class could benefit in the near future from the new battery technology.
According to BNDT, most Chinese consumers generally drive 50 to 80 km (31-50 miles) per day, meaning that they will only need to recharge their DENZA 400 once per week.
Styling-wise, the DENZA 400 looks the same as the previous version, retaining the tall five-door hatchback shape that reminds of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
The BYD Daimler New Technology (BNDT) joint venture builds the DENZA 400 at its independent production line in Shenzhen. The previous version of the DENZA EV was launched in 2014 as the maiden model from the first Sino-German joint venture dedicated to electric vehicles in China. Nearly 3,000 units sold during 2015, its first full calendar year.