Mercedes tests new EV braking systems in Arctic conditions alongside AI development

“Winter is coming.” And that’s supposed to be a bad thing?

Extreme weather testing coupled with artificial intelligence is transforming how automakers design and validate new vehicles. In northern Sweden’s harsh winter conditions, companies like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Polestar are putting prototypes through rigorous real-world tests that complement their AI and augmented reality development processes. This dual approach accelerates vehicle development while ensuring systems function reliably in the most challenging environments, particularly for critical components like next-generation braking systems in electric vehicles.

The big picture: Major automakers are leveraging Swedish Lapland’s near-zero Fahrenheit temperatures to stress-test their vehicles under extreme conditions, complementing advanced AI-driven development processes.

• Research and development teams relocate to Arctic testing facilities for weeks at a time during winter months to validate vehicle systems in harsh real-world environments.
• The testing grounds provide ideal conditions with fresh snow on steep mountains, thick ice on lakes, and smooth, low-traffic roads for comprehensive performance evaluation.

Key details: Mercedes-Benz is heavily focused on testing its new electric vehicle platforms and a next-generation braking system that will debut in upcoming models.

• The company is validating its Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA), battery-electric GLC SUV, and both battery-electric and hybrid versions of the forthcoming CLA sedan.
• Over 500 individual tests are conducted for each new Mercedes electric vehicle, with two-thirds specifically focused on electric motors and charging capabilities.

What they’re saying: Mercedes engineers acknowledge their continuous pursuit of improvement even as products near launch dates.

• “Believe us, we are engineers. We are never finished. We are always looking for the next improvement on the systems,” a team leader told Newsweek.

Behind the numbers: Mercedes’ new braking control system is significantly more advanced than traditional setups, performing nearly 100 different vehicle functions.

• “These 100 functions support the driver and assist the driver in nearly every driving situation,” explained one of the brake control system team leaders.
• The system represents a shift toward software-controlled braking rather than traditional mechanical linkages, addressing criticism of earlier EV braking systems that felt unnatural to drivers.

Why this matters: Even as AI and laboratory testing accelerate development, automakers recognize that real-world validation remains essential for creating vehicles that perform reliably in all conditions.

• The combination of advanced simulation and extreme environment testing creates a more efficient development process while maintaining necessary real-world validation.
• Mercedes is specifically working to address customer complaints about its earlier electric vehicle braking systems that have been “heavily criticized as feeling unnatural.”