Mercedes has rolled out a prototype of its new SLS AMG E-CELL electric supercar, which looks set for small series production. The prototype features four electric motors positioned near each of the wheels, which produce 392 kW and 880 Nm of instantaneous torque and acceleration of zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds — just 0.2 seconds under the performance of the 6.3-litre V8 SLS AMG.
The prototype is powered by a liquid-cooled, 48 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 40 Ah (at 400 V). The three battery modules are positioned in front of the firewall, in the center tunnel and behind the seats which keeps the center of gravity low for better handling.
There are two separate cooling systems — one for the electric motors and the power electronics and one for the battery. An electric heating element helps get the battery up to operating temperature when the weather is cold and on the other end of the scale, battery cooling can be boosted by the air conditioning system on hot days.
