Mercedes-Benz idea EV presents fast charging and Tesla-beating vary

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its “close-to-production” Idea CLA Class EV, boasting of very lengthy vary and fast charging by way of an 800-volt structure. The four-door sedan is the primary within the firm’s line of Mercedes-Benz Modular Structure (MMA) EVs, which can embrace a capturing brake and a pair of SUVs. Although it was unveiled as an idea at Munich’s IAA Mobility motor present, the CLA Class is slated to enter manufacturing as an actual EV in late 2024. 

MMA was conceived for the automaker’s entry-level CLA Class automobiles as an all-new “electrical first” design. The idea is nearly precisely the identical measurement as the corporate’s present CLA sedan at 185 inches lengthy and has a mushy egg-like form designed to maneuver via the air as cleanly as attainable (the hood is longer than different EVs, as Mercedes might supply it with ICE engines as properly). It additionally has quite a lot of idea automobile particulars (bizarre wheels, LED lighting, and so forth.) that possible will not make the ultimate lower. 

The CLA Class is much less about brute energy than different Mercedes-Benz EVs (no efficiency figures had been shared), focusing as an alternative of effectivity and charging speeds. To that finish, it makes use of an 800-volt structure and a single rear-mounted 235HP motor borrowed from the Imaginative and prescient EQXX idea (with “near zero p.c” uncommon earth supplies). It additionally has a brand new heat-pump to maintain the batteries (and occupants) heat within the winter, as chilly air can severely impression EV vary, together with a two-speed transmission. 

With all that, the Idea CLA Class can obtain 466 miles of WLPT vary (round 400 miles in EPA phrases) — a stellar effectivity of round 150 MPGe. It’ll additionally enable drivers so as to add round 200 miles of vary in simply quarter-hour. Mercedes did not give the battery measurement, nevertheless it’s possible underneath 100 kWh. Additionally aiding in that effectivity is a battery design with anodes containing silicon-oxide to enhance vitality density. The corporate may also supply a much less environment friendly and lowered kWh lithium-iron phosphate possibility at a decrease price. 

The within has lots of concept-car fluff that possible will not see the sunshine of day, together with a water-cooled processor on the ground, silver-colored leather-based seats, an engraved moonroof and a dashboard-wide “Superscreen” with few bodily controls. Nonetheless, the manufacturing model is more likely to have some design touches according to different Mercedes-Benz EQ electrical fashions and a comparatively luxe inside.

One other characteristic slated to seem within the electrical CLA manufacturing mannequin is Stage 3 automated driving. It will not be out there at launch, however the EV could have all of the sensors required to allow the characteristic down the highway by way of over-the-air (OTA) updates. Extra particulars are set to reach within the coming months, like battery measurement, closing vary and charging numbers and, most significantly, the value. But when Mercedes can stick with what it stated, the CLA might put up a superb battle towards Tesla’s EVs.