In total, the prototype was stationary for almost 28%, approximately six hours and forty minutes, of the 24-hour record attempt. These short but frequent stops allowed Mercedes-Benz to take advantage of a boost function that allows a high initial charging speed on a DC system, compared to the average achieved with longer but fewer stops.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet revealed the charging capacity of its upcoming electric model, but has previously hinted that it will be able to accept a charging capacity of around 250 kW, with an additional 50 kW boost function allowing it to reach 300 kW for short periods. This allows 400 kilometers to be refilled in just 15 minutes.
The energy capacity of the new model’s lithium-ion battery also remains under wraps, although it is claimed to be 89.6 kWh. This would give the new CLA an average consumption of around 5.2 mpkWh and a total range of up to 750 kilometers, making it one of the most efficient, longest-range cars money can buy.
Production versions of the new model are also expected to offer a lower energy density lithium-ion phosphate unit as a cheaper option.
The CLA used in the record attempt was a rear-wheel drive model with a single rear synchronous electric motor and a two-speed transmission. Again, technical details have yet to be announced, although Mercedes-Benz is reportedly developing the new sedan with powertrains delivering between 202 hp and a maximum of 537 hp in an AMG-branded dual-motor, all-wheel drive performance model.
Despite being developed as an ‘electric first’, the new sedan will also be sold with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, paired with a gearbox-mounted motor.
