Mercedes-Benz idea EV provides 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 sort of precisely the identical dimension as the corporate’s present CLA sedan at 185 inches lengthy and has a tender egg-like form designed to maneuver by way of the air as cleanly as doable (the hood is longer than different EVs, as Mercedes could supply it with ICE engines as nicely). It additionally has plenty of idea automobile particulars (bizarre wheels, LED lighting, and many others.) that probably will not make the ultimate reduce. 

The CLA Class is much less about brute energy than different Mercedes-Benz EVs (no efficiency figures have been shared), focusing as a substitute 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 influence EV vary. 

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 is going to additionally enable drivers so as to add round 200 miles of vary in simply quarter-hour. Mercedes did not give the battery dimension, however it’s probably below 100 kWh. Additionally aiding in that effectivity is a battery design with anodes containing silicon-oxide to enhance power density. The corporate will even supply a much less environment friendly and lowered kWh lithium-iron phosphate choice at a decrease value. 

The within has a whole lot of concept-car fluff that probably 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 prone to have some design touches consistent with different Mercedes-Benz EQ electrical fashions and a comparatively luxe inside.

One other characteristic slated to seem within the electrical CLA manufacturing mannequin is Degree 3 automated driving. It will not be obtainable at launch, however the EV can 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 dimension, ultimate vary and charging numbers and, most significantly, the value. But when Mercedes can keep on with what it mentioned, the CLA may put up a superb combat towards Tesla’s EVs.