The U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz CLA EV will assist each 800V and 400V quick charging choices, providing flexibility for customers. Initially, it was deliberate for the EV to primarily make the most of the 800V system to realize sooner charging speeds. Nonetheless, the inclusion of a 400V converter permits compatibility with a variety of DC quick chargers obtainable within the U.S., together with Tesla Superchargers.
When deliveries for the CLA electrical sedan start within the U.S. early subsequent 12 months, it is going to be geared up to cost utilizing each varieties of quick charging infrastructure. This improvement is critical because it expands utilization alternatives for house owners, who is not going to be restricted to a choose few charging networks.
Beforehand, studies indicated that the CLA could be restricted to the 800V charging infrastructure to optimize its most charging capability of 320 kilowatts. This limitation would have prevented entry to the biggest DC quick charging community within the U.S., specifically Tesla’s Supercharger community. Moreover, the 2026 CLA EV will make the most of a Tesla-designed NACS charging port, additional complicating entry to 800V charging stations with out an adapter.
In an announcement, a Mercedes-Benz USA consultant emphasised the corporate’s dedication to offering the absolute best charging expertise for purchasers. The addition of a 400V converter will permit the CLA to cost at each 400V and high-speed 800V, enabling compatibility with over 140,000 charging factors throughout the U.S.
When linked to an 800V DC quick charger, the CLA EV can draw as much as 320 kW, probably gaining as much as 202 miles of vary in simply 10 minutes. Though particular charging speeds from a 400V supply aren’t supplied, it’s anticipated that they are going to be decrease. Reaching the complete 320 kW from an 800V supply requires 400 amps, a configuration that’s not often obtainable within the U.S. for 400V chargers.
For context, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which additionally makes use of an 800V structure, can attain over 200 kW at 800V, charging from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes. Nonetheless, when linked to a standard V3 Tesla Supercharger—which has a most output of 500V—the Ioniq 5’s charging capability drops by roughly 100 kW.
In the end, the choice to equip the CLA EV with a 400V converter is helpful, because it permits house owners entry to a higher variety of quick chargers throughout the nation. Whereas many of those might not present the utmost 320 kW that the automobile is able to dealing with, having the choice to cost at any obtainable pace is advantageous when on the street.
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