When the facelifted Mercedes-Benz S500e plug-in hybrid is unveiled next year it will be one of the first production vehicles with wireless charging.
The inductive charging system will become available on the options list of the S500e when the facelifted car debuts.
Cars equipped with the inductive wireless recharge system have a secondary coil fitted between the front axle, while a base plate containing a primary coil is installed in, say, the garage at home.
When the car is driven over the base plate, a cabin display will guide the driver to the optimal charging spot where the coils are aligned. Once in place, the system will begin charging and monitoring the car.
The system is capable of a power output of up to 3.6kW and is said to have an efficiency rate of about 90 per cent.
The S500e will also be upgraded with a 13.3kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which takes the place of today’s 8.7kWh unit.
It’s expected the S500e will retain its current drivetrain. Consisting of a 245kW/480Nm 3-litre V6 and a 85kW electric motor, total system output is rated 325kW of power and 650Nm of torque.
-CarAdvice.com.au