fully electric MPV Archives

Maxus MIFA 9: Malaysia’s First Fully Electric MPV From RM270k

The new Maxus MIFA 9, which was presented by Weststar Maxus, is the first entirely electric MPV to be sold in Malaysia. The standard Luxury model and the top-spec Premium variation are the two fully imported (CBU) MIFA 9 variants that are available.

Standard features across both models include dual power-sliding doors, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and DRLs, LED rear fog lamps, LED taillights, heated side mirrors, front and rear-operated sunroofs, and a powered tailgate.

The MIFA 9 boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 1,840mm in height, 2,000mm in width, 5,270mm in length, and 3,200mm across the wheelbase. This sets it apart from competitors like the Toyota Vellfire and Alphard, which has a wheelbase of 3,000mm and measurements of 5,005mm in length, 1,850mm in width, and 1,950mm in height.

Inside, the MIFA 9 features a 2-2-3 seat configuration, with the second row comprising individual captain chairs with Ottoman functions, ventilation, heating, and massage. The front passenger and driver seats offer eight different adjustment options and lumbar support. The black-themed interior includes a microfiber/leather steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, a 64-color ambient lighting system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Both Luxury and Premium variants share the same electric powertrain, with the Luxury model having a slightly higher WLTP-rated range. The electric motor delivers 241hp and 350Nm, with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h. The 90 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery provides a WLTP range of 435km for the Luxury variant and 430 km for the Premium.

Safety features include a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, ESP, ABS, brake assist, front, side, and curtain airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, driver monitoring, speed assistance, auto high beam, rear collision warning, adaptive cruise control, integrated cruise assist, front and rear autonomous emergency braking, lane change assist, lane departure warning, and emergency lane keep assist.

As part of the launch campaign, the first 100 MIFA 9 buyers will receive a complimentary 22-kW AC home charger. The on-the-road price is RM269,888 for the Luxury and RM289,888 for the Premium, excluding insurance.

Every purchase comes with a five-year, 100,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 200,000km battery guarantee. The MIFA 9 is available in six exterior colours, Pearl Lustre White, Dynasty Red, Mica Blue, Concrete Grey, Snow Cyan, and Black.

First Mercedes-Benz fully-electric premium MPV to make public debut next month

Mercedes-Benz is wasting no time building up its EQ range of fully-electric models. Following the launch of the EQC SUV at the 2018 Paris Motorshow, it will unveil its first fully-electric premium MPV at the Frankfurt Motorshow next month. The new EQV is based on the Concept EQV that was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year.

“Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect. It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free. This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and segment that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle with a lounge-like character”, says Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

150 kW drivetrain, 405 kms range
The electric drivetrain (eATS) of the EQV is situated on the front axle under the front end with a charging connection in the bumper. It has a peak output of 150 kW which can take the MPV up to a claimed maximum speed of 160 km/h. It has a claimed range of 405 kms and with rapid charging, the high-voltage battery pack can be ‘refuelled’ from 10% to 80% within less than an hour.

The electric motor, the transmission with a fixed gear ratio, the cooling system and the power electronics constitute a highly integrated, compact unit. Power is provided by a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor of the vehicle. Its low, central location also has a positive effect on the handling characteristics of the EQV.

Battery pack is constantly recharged
As standard, the EQV will be equipped with a water-cooled on-board charger with a capacity of 11 kW, making it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations. To ensure that the technical operating range is used to the maximum, the EQV also charges its batteries when on the move. When accelerating or braking, the mechanical rotation is converted into electrical energy and used to charge the high-voltage battery (recuperation).

The driver has a major influence on recuperation. He or she is also able to influence the recuperation level using paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddle on the left increases the level of recuperation, the paddle on the right reduces it. At the weakest level, the vehicle ‘coasts’ while at the strongest level, it is possible to drive using a single pedal. This is because, in most situations, the slowing effect of recuperation is sufficient to make the brake pedal redundant.

The recuperation level D Auto reflects the intelligence of the EQV. The automatically activated ECO Assistant helps the driver to achieve the best possible efficiency. It combines navigation data, road traffic sign recognition and information provided by the intelligent safety assistance systems (radar and camera) and adjusts the level of recuperation itself.

In combination with EQ-optimised navigation, active range monitoring ensures that the driver reaches the destination safely even if a charging stop is missed. It is also assisted by the E+ driving mode, which optimises the vehicle’s parameters to maximise the range.

Flexible seating for 6 to 8 persons
For flexibility, the EQV will be offered with two different wheelbase dimensions. It can be configured as a 6-seater with individual seats for high-quality transportation, or converted into a 7 or even an 8-seater to serve as a shuttle.

The refinement of MBUX (the Mercedes-Benz user interface) specifically for EQ is a particular highlight. In the high-resolution, 10-inch media display, the EQ tile in the main menu serves as a central point of access to the specific displays and settings. These include the charging current, departure time, energy flow and consumption histogram. EQV drivers can plan their destinations from the home or office, enter a departure time and bring the interior to the desired temperature.

The EQV will be produced at a factory in northern Spain where the V-Class and Vito models are also made. This facilitates flexible and synergetic production in direct correlation with customer demand globally.

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