An all-electric C-segment incorporating the best that Mercedes has to offer. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Dec. 2, 2024 The CLA Prototype With several recent EV releases from OEMs all over the globe, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to make their own mark by taking a leadership position in electric drive systems with the soon to be launched, CLA. The all-new, all-electric CLA is the first model based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). For us in the U.S., Mercedes plans a four-door sedan and two SUVs within the newly defined entry-level segment. 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Drivetrain Mercedes' next gen powertrain - Electric Drive Unit (EDU 2.0), is the first of a new generation of electric drive units designed within a highly integrated modular system. Mercedes is using an in-house designed, permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM), 200-kW electric drive unit on the rear axle. The high-performance power electronics silicon carbide (SiC) inverter and a 2-speed transmission is integrated within the rear motor – aka Taycan, improving both efficiency and launch performance. For 4MATIC models, a similarly designed and constructed 80-kW drive unit is mounted on the front axle, engaging only when the corresponding power or traction is required. A Disconnect Unit (DCU) is introduced for the first time in the entry-level segment. This reduces front axle losses by up to 90 % while increasing driving range. In the case of the CLA, this would correspond to a range of more than EPA rated 350 miles. With an energy consumption of just 5.2 mi/kWh, the concept CLA would set the bar in terms of ultra-efficient design. 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Charging Following the lead of just about everyone, Mercedes is finally introducing an 800V architecture within the CLA allowing up to 150-miles of range in just 10-minutes of charge on a 350 kW DCFC. A near production prototype on a 24-hour track drive covered 2,309 miles in 24 hours with 40 DCFC’s. An 11-kW capable onboard charger is standard for plugging into a higher powered AC L2. 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Battery The cells of the battery include a usable energy of 85 kWh with anodes of silicon oxide added to the graphite. With this change, the gravimetric energy density is 20% less while the volumetric energy density of 680 Wh/l. The peak charge rate is said to be 320 kW All three of these details closely match the Polestar 5 Prototype, StoreDot XFC battery test I posted about earlier. Raw material usage including Cobalt has also been reduced to enhance sustainability. 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Features The upcoming CLA will be the first Mercedes to feature a standard air-to-air heat pump that can use the waste heat from the EDU, waste heat from the battery, and ambient air. 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Prototype On a rolling test bed.
