New Mercedes CLA to Lead the Charge with 400-Mile Range and 10-Minute Top-Ups
Mercedes’ most compact EV is set to be its most efficient and effective. The new CLA, which is due to be launched in 2025 will be able to cover 466 miles on a full charge according the European WLTP measure. That’s equivalent to 399 miles on the EPA scale, and is almost a match for the biggest-batteried EQS model.
What’s more the CLA will use 800-volt architecture to enable ultra-rapid charging at up to 320 kW. Mercedes says that with the right DC charger up to 186 miles of range can be added in just ten minutes, making cross country road trips a reality.
The car’s range and charging capability have already been put to the test at the Nardo high-speed test facility in Italy, where a CLA prototype just set a new record by covering 2309 miles in 24 hours. The ground-breaking run required 40 ten-minute pit stops and was done at a furious pace, rather than an energy-saving speed. Over the 24 hours the CLA averaged 96.2 mph. Deduct the nearly seven hours spent plugged in and the on-track velocity was a whopping 133 mph.
This impressive feat was made possible by a significant number of improvements to Mercedes EV systems combined with a new MMA architecture. The 85 kW battery pack uses silicon oxide and graphite anodes which improves energy density by 20 percent, while reducing raw materials, while new in-house designed electric motors enable a battery-to-wheel efficiency of 93 percent. As standard theres a rear-mounted 200 kW (272-hp) electric drive unit deploying a permanently-excited synchronous motor, while 4MATIC models also get an 80 kW (109 hp) unit on the front axle. Both feature a silicon carbide inverter that was pioneered on the Vision EQXX concept car.
For those who still remain unconvinced by full-electrification the CLA will also come in hybrid form, combining a novel 1.5-liter combustion engine with a 20 kW electric motor. The ICE unit is said to be 17 percent lighter than Mercedes’ current lightest four-pot and it features a unique design that sees the exhaust manifold housed within the cylinder head. The gearbox, electric motor and inverter are integrated in a single unit. In top spec the hybrid CLA will have a maximum combined output of 218 horsepower.
Prices and availability will be revealed soon when Mercedes also removes the camouflage from its new EV standard-bearer.
So they just got to where GM has been?
So what?? I noticed the price was never mentioned?? I’m so glad the EV subsidies are about to end.. If a person wants to buy one fine, but not on my dime!
Probably pretty expensive for a small and likely heavy car. I’d rather buy something used instead.
This is what will sting early EV adopters. As the industry continues to evolve to make EVs meet consumers needs, earlier versions become obsolete and unserviceable. We need international standards to drive cost efficiencies and more R&D so these vehicles stop burning up, running out of juice half way through a road trip and freezing in winter. Thanks to the road test dummies who are helping drive innovation, it appears we are nearing the technology that could help sway the car-buying millions. Lighter, farther and less expensive sounds like it is getting closer. Now if the manufacturers could only make them look good.
Ten minute charging times to acquire186 miles is impressive, but when will these ‘right’ DC chargers be available for a cross country trip? Also, considering cabin heating/cooling, traffic and road conditions, how many miles could be covered at 75-80 mph? Mentioned in the last paragraph was a bit of reality, there is a hybrid model available.