“Mercedes EQS, 1,205km on One Charge?! But Korea Gets Chinese Batteries Only…”

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Mercedes EQS Breaks 1,205km Record — But Why Are Korean Consumers Angry?

Mercedes-Benz has stunned the global EV market by setting a groundbreaking record: the EQS prototype with solid-state batteries achieved an astonishing 1,205km on a single charge. Starting from Stuttgart, Germany, and arriving in Malmö, Sweden, the test proved not only endurance but also the dawn of a new battery era.

But in Korea, instead of applause, frustration and disappointment dominate. Why? Because the EVs sold locally do not use this next-gen technology. Instead, Chinese-made Parasis batteries power Korean EQS and EQE models — and recent fire incidents have amplified consumer distrust.

This article dives deep into the record, the controversy, and what this means for the future of Mercedes EVs in Korea.

Why Are Korean Consumers Angry?
the EQS prototype with solid-state batteries achieved an astonishing 1,205km on a single charge


1. Mercedes EQS Solid-State Battery Record: A Milestone for the EV Industry

Mercedes’ EQS prototype has rewritten the rules of electric mobility.

  • Route & Performance: From Stuttgart to Malmö, a total of 1,205km on real roads. After the trip, 137km of battery life remained, meaning a theoretical maximum of 1,342km.

  • Battery Technology: The EQS test car used Factorial Energy’s solid-state battery, boasting 25% higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion.

  • Industry Comparison: Lucid Air once matched the 1,205km figure, but it relied on lithium-ion cells. Mercedes, with solid-state, symbolized the true generational shift.

This achievement isn’t just about numbers. It represents “the era of solid-state batteries” — safer, denser, and faster-charging energy storage.

Mercedes EQS Solid-State Battery Record

Mercedes EQS Solid-State Battery Record: A Milestone for the EV Industry


2. Korean Consumers: “Why Do We Get Chinese Batteries?”

While Europe celebrates innovation, Korean customers feel left behind.

  • Chinese Parasis Batteries in Korea: Instead of Factorial solid-state, Korean models come with batteries supplied by China’s Parasis.

  • Fire Incident in Incheon: In Cheongna International City, a Mercedes EQE caught fire, raising serious doubts about the safety and reliability of imported batteries.

  • Public Reaction:

    “Why does Europe get the next generation, but Korea gets second-tier components?”
    “Mercedes charges premium prices here. Why don’t we get premium tech?”

Mercedes insisted that “design flaws are not to blame,” but trust is fragile. In Korea, safety and transparency weigh heavier than long-range records.

Korean Consumers: “Why Do We Get Chinese Batteries?”

  • Fire Incident in Incheon: In Cheongna International City, a Mercedes EQE caught fire, raising serious doubts about the safety and reliability of imported batteries.



3. Expert Opinions: Potential of Solid-State vs Risks of Current Supply

Industry specialists see solid-state as a game-changer:

  • Shorter Charging Time: From hours to minutes, thanks to improved conductivity.

  • Longer Range: Easily exceeding 1,000km, as the EQS proved.

  • Lower Fire Risk: Solid electrolytes are far less flammable than liquid lithium-ion.

However, the Korean case shows a disconnect:

  • BMS (Battery Management System) needs improvement for localized conditions.

  • Crash & Shock Resistance must be designed for Korea’s roads and regulations.

  • Supply Chain Transparency: Consumers demand proof of quality and fairness.

Experts argue that Mercedes must unify standards between regions if it wants long-term trust.

4. Mercedes’ Dilemma: Global Tech vs Local Trust

Mercedes wants to lead the “EV revolution” with mass-produced solid-state batteries by the late 2020s. Globally, its image is one of luxury and cutting-edge innovation.

Yet, in Korea, the brand risks becoming a symbol of double standards.

  • In Europe: EQS is a technology icon, redefining the EV future.

  • In Korea: EQE fires and “Made in China” batteries fuel distrust.

This contrast is dangerous. Luxury brands thrive on prestige and consistency. If consumers believe they are being treated unfairly, even the strongest brand equity collapses.

5. What Korean Consumers Truly Want

Long range is not enough. Surveys and reactions suggest three priorities:

  1. Safety Above All: Proven reliability with no risk of fire.

  2. Transparent Battery Supply Chains: Clear information on origin and quality.

  3. Equal Access to Innovation: If solid-state is possible in Europe, it should be in Korea too.

Without these, Mercedes faces the risk of losing ground to rivals like BMW, Hyundai, or Lucid, which market fairness and trust more aggressively.

What Korean Consumers Truly Want
Safety Above All: Proven reliability with no risk of fire.



6. The Road Ahead: Can Mercedes Restore Trust?

The record-breaking 1,205km EQS should have been a marketing triumph. Instead, in Korea, it became a PR crisis.

Moving forward, Mercedes must:

  • Publicly commit to introducing solid-state in Korea.

  • Improve quality control for Chinese-sourced batteries.

  • Launch consumer-oriented safety campaigns to rebuild trust.

The Korean market is small compared to Europe or China, but it is also prestige-sensitive. Winning back Korean customers could shape Mercedes’ global EV reputation.

Conclusion: Two Faces of Mercedes’ EQS

On one hand, the EQS represents the pinnacle of EV technology, setting records and showcasing the promise of solid-state energy. On the other hand, in Korea, it highlights a gap in trust and equality.

For Mercedes, the challenge is not just about developing the next battery, but about ensuring that every consumer — whether in Berlin or Seoul — feels equally valued.

If Mercedes can balance technology and trust, it will truly lead the EV revolution. If not, its 1,205km triumph may end up remembered as a missed opportunity.