Electric Mercedes CLA EV experienced a charging issue, but a resolution is imminent
The Mercedes CLA is set to undergo an electric upgrade in Spring 2026, with the addition of a 400-volt DC converter. This update, however, will not be available as a retro-fit option for already ordered Mercedes CLA models.
Starting from 2026, the Mercedes CLA will be available as a hybrid and a pure electric car. The all-electric version of the CLA will ride on Mercedes' bespoke 800-volt platform, which supports very fast charging (up to 320kW), maximizing efficiency and reducing charging time. However, without a 400-volt DC/DC converter, the car cannot charge at the majority of existing 400-volt fast charging stations, limiting public charging compatibility at launch.
Mercedes has addressed the criticism by deciding to add a 400-volt DC converter, but this will only be available starting Spring 2026. It remains unclear whether the 400-volt converter will be standard or offered as an optional extra.
The scarcity of 800-volt chargers is likely to prove a problem in the short term, especially for drivers planning longer road trips, outside of cities. The UK infrastructure for 800-volt chargers is not fully developed yet, most public chargers still run on 400 volts.
The starting price for the entry-level 250+ version of the new all-electric Mercedes CLA is £40,421. The sat-nav on the Mercedes CLA will guide drivers to compatible chargers, so they won't be stranded.
Interestingly, CLA models sold in Norway launched with a 400-volt converter, suggesting Mercedes may have skipped it elsewhere for cost reasons. The pricing information for the hybrid version of the Mercedes CLA is currently unavailable.
Mercedes is focusing on the future and anticipating a fast roll-out of 800-volt stations across Europe. The company has not yet provided official confirmation about the converter availability in other regions or whether all future CLA trims will include it or offer it optionally.
The absence of a built-in 400-volt converter on the Mercedes CLA raised eyebrows, as it's standard tech on rivals like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6. However, this decision appears to balance the new high-voltage architecture's pursuit of rapid charging against the practical need for compatibility with widespread 400-volt infrastructure, albeit with a delayed solution.
In conclusion, the addition of the 400-volt DC converter to the Mercedes CLA in Spring 2026 will enhance its public charging compatibility. However, the cost and availability of the converter as an option on the Mercedes CLA are currently uncertain. The launch of the electric version of the Mercedes CLA indicates that the hybrid version may be available after 2026.
- The electric version of the Mercedes CLA will ride on Mercedes' bespoke 800-volt platform, which will not be compatible with the majority of existing 400-volt fast charging stations without a 400-volt DC converter.
- The addition of a 400-volt DC converter to the Mercedes CLA, available from Spring 2026, will allow the car to charge at more public charging stations, increasing its compatibility.
- The Mercedes CLA will be offered as a hybrid and a pure electric car starting from 2026, with the all-electric version being more efficient due to its support for fast charging of up to 320kW.
- The pricing for the hybrid version of the Mercedes CLA is currently unavailable, and it remains unclear whether the 400-volt DC converter will be standard or offered as an optional extra on the electric CLA models.
