- Ahead of the updated Mercedes-Benz CLA reveal, which arrives next year and will have the option of a fully-electric powertrain for the first time, the manufacturer has given more details on the all-new EV architecture that electric CLA models will ride on.
- The CLA will be the first of a number of Mercedes-Benz EVs to run on an updated 800-volt architecture, bringing record high EV efficiency to the brand.
- Referencing the efficiency available from the new architecture, Mercedes-Benz has said that EVs with this powertrain will be ‘the one-litre car of the electric age’.
Mercedes-Benz to bring 800-volt EV architecture to entry-level EVs
Whilst we’ve already seen EVs before with an 800-volt architecture, this has largely been limited to higher-cost EVs such as the Porsche Taycan, as well as relatively more affordable models such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5. However, this move by Mercedes-Benz to put such an architecture into what will be one of the lowest-cost entries in its EV portfolio is a sign of things to come.
The CLA will be the first EV to use this new ‘Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture’ (MMA), which is an electric-first platform – though ICE powertrains will also be possible on the platform. In fully-electric form, this will consist of a combination of an 800-volt system and also a two-speed gearbox. The latter is less common on EVs, and will help increase efficiency at higher motorway speeds. Combined, Mercedes-Benz says that in a CLA concept, this can deliver a drivable range of over 750 kilometres (466 miles), thanks to an efficiency of 12 kWh per 100km. This would give the CLA a better figure than Mercedes-Benz’s current longest-range EV, the Mercedes EQS 450+.
For reference, the Model 3 Long Range, already one of the most efficient EVs on the market, has a consumption figure of around 14 kWh per 100km. The MMA electric platform’s efficiency is also helped along by an air-to-air heat pump, and regenerative braking that can reach a recharging power of 200kW.
That 800-volt configuration will also allow ultra-rapid charging at speeds of up to 320kW, allowing the potential to add 300 kilometres worth of range in 10 minutes, at a suitable charger. After the CLA hits the market next year, we’ll see more ‘entry-luxury’ Mercedes EVs based on this highly-efficient MMA platform in the further future.
