Mercedes-Benz Electric Vehicle Concept Boasts Quick Charging and Range Exceeding Tesla Models

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Concept CLA Class EV, which is said to be nearly ready for production. The vehicle offers an impressive range and fast charging capabilities thanks to its 800-volt architecture. This four-door sedan is the first of Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming line of EVs under the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), which will also include a shooting brake and two SUV models. While initially showcased as a concept at the Munich IAA Mobility motor show, the CLA Class is scheduled to become a fully-fledged EV by the end of 2024.

The MMA was designed as an all-new “electric first” model for the automaker’s entry-level CLA-class vehicles. The concept is almost exactly the same size as the company’s current 185-inch CLA sedan, and its soft, egg-like shape is designed to move through the air as cleanly as possible (the hood is longer than other EVs, as Mercedes may also offer it with ICE engines). It also has several concept car details (odd wheels, LED lighting, etc.) that likely won’t make the final cut.

The CLA class is less about raw power than other Mercedes-Benz EVs (performance figures were not shared), focusing instead on efficiency and charging speeds. To do this, it uses an 800-volt architecture and a single rear-mounted 235 hp motor borrowed from the Vision EQXX concept (“near zero percent” rare-earth materials). It also has a new heat pump to keep the batteries (and passengers) warm in the winter, as cold air can seriously affect an electric car’s range.

All this allows the Concept CLA Class to achieve 466 miles on the WLPT range (about 400 miles in EPA terms) – a whopping efficiency of about 150 MPGe. It also allows drivers to add around 200 miles in just 15 minutes. Mercedes didn’t say the size of the battery, but it’s likely to be less than 100 kWh. This efficiency is also helped by the battery design, which has silicon oxide anodes that improve energy density. The company also offers a less efficient and lower kWh lithium iron phosphate alternative at a lower price.

Inside, there’s a lot of the concept car that likely won’t see the light of day, including a water-cooled processor on the floor, silver leather seats, a sculpted moonroof, and a wide “Superscreen” on the dashboard with few physical controls. Still, the production version is likely to share some design details with other Mercedes-Benz EQ electric models and a relatively luxurious interior.

Another feature set to appear on the electric CLA production model is Level 3 automated driving. It won’t be available at launch, but the EV has all the sensors needed to enable the feature on the road via OTA updates. More details such as battery size, final range and charging numbers, and most importantly, price, are coming in the coming months. But if Mercedes can stick to what it said, the CLA can take on Tesla’s EVs.