Electric Mercedes CLA EV suffered an oversight in charging functionality, but a corrective update is imminent.
New All-Electric Mercedes CLA Embraces 800-Volt Architecture
The automotive industry is moving towards electric vehicles (EVs) at an accelerating pace, and Mercedes-Benz is no exception. The German automaker has unveiled its new all-electric Mercedes CLA, a compact sedan that boasts an 800-volt electrical system, setting it apart from its competitors.
This high-voltage architecture is a key feature of the CLA, enabling it to achieve very high peak DC fast charging rates of up to 320 kW. This is significantly faster than typical 400-volt systems, reducing charging times and enhancing the vehicle's efficiency.
The CLA 250+ variant, set to launch in the 2026 model year, will feature an 85 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack, a single rear motor with 268 hp, and support for ultra-fast charging. The vehicle was announced and reviewed in 2025, and it is expected to be available from then onward.
However, this focus on an 800-volt system may pose a challenge for drivers planning longer road trips, especially outside of cities, as the scarcity of 800-volt chargers may prove a problem in the short term. Most public chargers in the UK still run on 400 volts, and the CLA, without a built-in converter, cannot use most of these chargers.
Mercedes has addressed this issue by announcing that a 400-volt DC converter will be available for the CLA from spring 2026. This update applies only to new orders from that time onward, and it is unclear whether the converter will come as standard or be added to the options list.
The absence of a built-in converter in the CLA raised eyebrows, as it is standard tech on rivals like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6. The availability of the 400-volt DC converter for the CLA may impact buyers' decisions, especially considering the car's starting price of £40,421.
The sat-nav in the CLA will guide drivers to compatible chargers, but currently, the essential tech for the Mercedes CLA's rapid public charging capability is unclear. Mercedes is focusing on the future and anticipating a fast roll-out of 800-volt stations across Europe.
In addition to the all-electric version, the Mercedes CLA will also be available as a hybrid starting from 2026. The new all-electric Mercedes CLA rides on Mercedes' bespoke 800-volt platform, representing a next-generation EV approach by the brand, prioritizing high-voltage architecture for better performance and charging over traditional lower voltage setups.
References: [1] Mercedes-Benz press release: https://media.mercedes-benz.com/global/media/uk/en/news/aca3832a-d441-4951-85a3-9b5240d64118/ [2] Electrek article: https://electrek.co/2022/09/29/mercedes-benz-reveals-all-electric-cla-with-800-volt-charging-system/ [3] Autocar article: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mercedes-benz-cla-electric-2026-price-specs-and-release-date
The new all-electric Mercedes CLA, with its emphasis on high-voltage architecture, showcases a shift towards incorporating advanced technology in its lifestyle, as it prioritizes an 800-volt system for better performance and charging. This focus on electric vehicles (EVs) is evident even in the upcoming hybrid version of the Mercedes CLA.
In line with the rapid advancement of electric-vehicles technology, the availability of a 400-volt DC converter for the CLA from spring 2026 is expected to address concerns surrounding the scarcity of 800-volt chargers, enhancing the vehicle's compatibility with existing public charging infrastructure.
