The 400v Fast Charger Is Not Capable Of Charging The New Mercedes CLA

The new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA has the capability for quick charging, but there is a catch: fast charging is only feasible at charging stations equipped with 800-volt technology.

An important detail found in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA’s configurator states, “DC fast charging is only possible at charging stations that support 800v technology.” If a fast charger lacks this compatibility, the charging process will not proceed, requiring drivers to locate another compatible charging station for their CLA. This inconvenience can be frustrating during long trips, where the CLA, boasting a range of up to 792 kilometers, low energy consumption, and a DC charging capacity of 320 kW, appears to be a more suitable choice compared to other electric vehicles.

The inability to charge at 400 volts is attributed to the absence of a DC/DC converter, as reported by Wardsauto.com. Mercedes-Benz Netherlands has verified that a CLA cannot interface with a 400-volt charging station; however, they mention that this limitation should not pose significant issues in practical scenarios.

Brand experts indicate that charging stations with over 200 kW capacity are typically equipped with 800-volt technology. It appears that the majority of Fastned and Ionity chargers, as well as most Shell Recharge stations, support 800 volts. At Tesla Superchargers, which are also accessible to vehicles from other brands, only the latest V4 chargers are compatible with the CLA. To ensure compatibility, users can rely on the CLA’s navigation system, which identifies and recommends suitable 800-volt chargers. In ideal conditions, the CLA can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes at these recommended stations.