Mercedes CLA vs Tesla Model 3: 350kW Charging Battle

800-Volt Electric Sedan Debuting Soon

Mercedes-Benz is looking to challenge the successful Tesla Model 3 directly, by launching a completely refreshed CLA four-door small sedan. This is being worked on as part of their “electric-first” program.

A concept car that offers a glimpse at the upcoming electric vehicle (EV) for 2025 is due to be unveiled at September’s Munich Motor Show. This will give us a clearer insight into what presides in the “Entry Luxury” section of the German brand’s portfolio.

According to the British journal Autocar, two different renditions of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA are predicted to be presented, beginning with a solely electric variant and trailed by a hybrid edition that will merely be accessible in certain areas about six months following the EV’s unveiling.

In accordance with Autocar, the impending CLA will rest on the Mercedes Modular Framework (MMA), specifically tailored to function with an 800-volt battery pack in its electrostatic form, making it able to take up to 350 kilowatts of capacity when hooked up for power. Such charge enables the battery to rest at a 10-80 percent SoC within approximately half an hour when connected to a powerful DC charger.

Rumor has it that Mercedes is developing two models of their new electric CLA; one given front-wheel drive and the other with all-wheel drive. Both vehicles utilize second-generation permanent magnet synchronous motors, designated as eATS2.0, in partnership with a state-of-the-art silicon carbide inverter. Being paired with a two-speed gearbox, we are unsure if the system is standard for each make.

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is said to be more economical compared to their existing models utilizing lithium ion packs, due to the installment of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack made using cell-to-pack assembly.

Limited glimpses of the new German-made electric sedan have been seen this past month as it underwent testing. Photographers were able to take pictures of the charging connector, effectively demonstrating that Mercedes-Benz was, in fact, developing a smaller size electric vehicle. Reports affirm the new model will be much bigger than existing models with a speculated length of 185 inches or roughly 4.7 meters.

The upcoming CLA is projected to hit the market at some point in 2021, going toe-to-toe with the BMW i4 and Polestar 2. Consequently injecting a welcome component of rivalry into this particular class of automobiles.

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Source: Autocar