Mercedes Plug-in Hybrid: Compact Part-time Electricity

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Mercedes Plug-in Hybrid: Compact Part-time Electricity
Mercedes Plug-in Hybrid: Compact Part-time Electricity

Video: Mercedes Plug-in Hybrid: Compact Part-time Electricity

Video: Mercedes Plug-in Hybrid: Compact Part-time Electricity
Video: EQ Power Plug-In Hybrid - The 3d generation of plug-in hybrids from Mercedes-Benz 2024, March
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At the IAA in September, Mercedes will be presenting its new compact models with plug-in hybrids. The part-time electric car cuts a fine figure in the A-Class on the first ride.

Every time Andreas Soens drives past one of the particulate matter measuring points in Stuttgart, a smile falls on his face. Yes, Mercedes also has a - well - somewhat problematic diesel history and sales among the Swabians are also suffering from the crisis of confidence in the diesel. But Soens has a good laugh. Because he works in the development of compact models on the so-called MFA platform and promotes electrification there. In any case, his prototype does not create thick air in the Stuttgart boiler, but drives just as quietly as it is emission-free. At least most of the time.

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Soens is at the wheel of an A-Class with a plug-in hybrid, which, together with the A-Class sedan and B-Class, will celebrate their premiere at the IAA in September. They should go on sale later this year. This means that the electric offensive launched by the new Daimler boss Ola Källenius will also reach the Swabian compact class for the first time and will sooner or later penetrate it almost completely. Because the CLA and GLA are also intended for temporary battery operation. Only with the GLB there is no space for the batteries because of the third row of seats.

Batteries under the back seat

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Unlike some compact competitors, the package for the MFA models is designed in such a way that it overcomes all current funding hurdles and has key data suitable for everyday use. Soens promises that the 15 kWh battery lasts for more than 60 kilometers under almost all circumstances. The 102 hp electric motor, which is integrated in a double clutch with now eight gears, still manages 140 km / h. And the acceleration should be on the level of an A 250, Soens suggests.

Mercedes already has a lot of experience with plug-in hybrids in the large series. The fact that it took a little longer in the compact class is due not least to the limited space, which made it difficult to install a powerful electric drive. Especially not if neither the interior nor the trunk should be trimmed. That's why the batteries are now where the tank used to be: under the back seat. The petrol sloshes around the rear axle in a reservoir that has been reduced from 45 to 35 liters.

Trunk volume almost unchanged

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Soens and his colleagues have accommodated the charging and power electronics in the spare wheel recess. "Except for a few liters, the trunk volume has actually been retained," says Soens as he approaches the first available charging station. Thanks to MBUX, he selected them on the navigation system and also activated them using the Mercedes software. In this way, he can save himself the tedious game of different cards and number systems. The battery is charged there with up to 22 kW, so that the A-Class is full again in less than half an hour in the best case.

Anyone who rolls through Stuttgart's city traffic with Soens will experience the plug-in drive as mature and inconspicuous in the best sense of the word. This is not least due to the fact that the electronics rarely have to switch between the drive types. At least when you are out and about in comfort mode, the Distronic gently keeps your distance and with navigation and radar data you can find the balance between braking and recuperation.

Then the A-Class with plug-in hybrid roams most of the time through the city and the combustion engine only switches on during kickdown. However, given the 300 Nm from the electric motor and a top electric speed of 140 km / h, this is rarely necessary. At the end of the city trip, you are almost surprised when the needle in the tachometer suddenly twitches on the motorway.

Plug-in hybrid development on the home stretch

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In addition to the comfort mode, there is also a decidedly sporty set-up and three driving profiles that Soens has newly programmed for the hybrids. One for pure electric mode. Another activates the electric drive exclusively in the city. And the third keeps the battery status at a defined level, so that, for example, the last few kilometers in your own housing estate can still be powered for a whisper trip to the garage.

As proud as Soens rolls through Stuttgart with his only slightly camouflaged prototype. And as confidently as he parks the A-Class on the fast chargers next to the Teslas. Nobody knows better than him that the compact part-time streamers will only enjoy short star fame. Because while the development of the plug-in hybrids is on the home straight, Soens is already working in the background on EQA and EQB, which will soon steal the show as pure battery-powered cars. (SP-X)

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