The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2022 - Issue 32

bitecars THE FUTURE BECOMES NOW Mercedes-Benz Jada Brookes’ mind is blown by the Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR that fuses human and machine interactions by responding to your heartbeat and breathing. R S ci-fi adventure films like Minority Report, Spies in Dis- guise, Fifth Element and I, Robot demonstrated what ve- hicles could look like in the future, but none can compare to the Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR. This groundbreaking six-metre-long concept vehicle inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar embraces Advanced Vehicle Transformation showing the interaction between humans, machines and nature. It also embodies the vision of Mercedes-Benz designers, engineers and trend researchers for mobility in the distant future. The extraordinary crab-crawling, insect-like vehicle can recognise the occupants’ heartbeat and breathe so, as Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management Daimer AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, puts it: “human and machine merge into a fully intuitive experience.” At the 2020 CES (Consumers Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, he highlighted that occupants are often cocooned and detached from what is going on externally. With Vision AVTR, the outside environment comes into the car. Mercedes-Benz and James Cameron’s Vision AVTR collaboration high- lights new ways of intuitively connecting humans and machines with- out wooden sticks, plastic knobs or a steering wheel. It also showcases innovative ways of moving people through the environment, such as sideways like a crab which the AVTR can do by 30 degrees. Sustainabil- ity is initiated by using a fully recyclable battery without the presence of nickel or cobalt, meaning it can be compostable. Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, said the Vision AVTR is a mixture of science and creative speculation. "It combines the technologically feasible with what is desirable for the future and underlines our brand's courage and pioneering spirit.” With its animal-like movement, pulse-rated seats, intuitive control and interactive screen that could take you through the scenery of Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water , the AVTR is like a robotic creature. What Drives This Power Model? The Vision AVTR is powered by a revolutionary battery technology modelled on a graphene-based organic cell chemistry utterly free of rare earth and metals. The AVTR electro-mobility becomes independ- ent of fossil resources thanks to its compostability and recyclability. This enables Mercedes-Benz to underline the high relevance of a future circular economy in the raw materials sector. It maximises efficiency through an intelligent operating strategy and solar systems integrated into the flaps. Whilst most battery systems operate up to 1,200 Wh/litre, the AVTR battery has a high energy density and exceptional fast charging capacity via automated, conductive charging technology, providing an impres- sive full recharge in 15 minutes and covering a range of 450 miles. The AVTR has a total of around 110 kWh giving it an electric range of more than 700 kilometres. Between coasting and braking, the high-voltage battery can be recharged more efficiently than established driving sys- tems.