Electric Cars: The Basics
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The Mercedes-Benz A250e Hatchback PHEV
Mercedes-Benz, simply known as Mercedes, is a leading global luxury automative manufacturer based in Germany. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart and is famed for its high quality passenger vehicles, to include the Mercedes-Maybach. However, the company is also a leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles, to include the plug-in Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the plug-in Mercedes eVito electric van.
Mercedes-Benz EQ is the sub-brand used by the company for its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The pure electric cars are branded as EQ, while the PHEVs are branded as EQ Power. The mild hybrid vehicles are branded as EQ Boost. The PHEV portfolio includes:
- Mercedes A-Class Hatchback PHEV
- Mercedes A-Class Saloon PHEV
- Mercedes B-Class Hatchback PHEV
- Mercedes C-Class Saloon PHEV
- Mercedes C-Class Estate PHEV
- Mercedes E-Class Saloon PHEV
- Mercedes E-Class Estate PHEV
- Mercedes S-Class Saloon PHEV
- Mercedes CLA Coupé PHEV
- Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake PHEV
- Mercedes GLA SUV PHEV
- Mercedes GLC SUV PHEV
- Mercedes GLC Coupé PHEV
- Mercedes GLE SUV PHEV
- Mercedes GLE Coupé PHEV
The Mercedes-Benz A Class premium hatchback is currently in its fourth-generation. It was first introduced in 1997. The fourth-generation model was launched in 2018. The A Class also includes the A250e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant.
The A250e hatchback PHEV is a cheaper option compared to the line-up of other Mercedes plug-in hybrid models. For those seeking a premium badge, lower motoring costs and lower tailpipe emissions, the A Class hatchback PHEV is certainly a good entry-level option to consider. It is a very efficient smaller-sized PHEV.
The Mercedes-Benz PHEV has a 15.6 kWh onboard EV battery, which is an average EV battery size for PHEVs. The real-world electric range will be lower than the claimed 75 km range (WLTP certified), and will depend on a number of factors, to include: driving profile, onboard services used, speed, weather, road conditions and more. Expect a real-world zero-tailpipe emission electric range closer to 60 km. The EV also incorporates regenerative braking, that further improves the efficiency of the vehicle.
However, for most urban commutes, the EV range is more than sufficient and the EV can help save money and improve local air quality. Do keep in mind that the average distance travelled per day is 50 km. Most of our trips are short commutes: school-runs, grocery store, high street etc. Even for those of us travelling to work, the distance is usually short. Moreover, the EV can also be charged at work. So, bottom-line, the 60-75 km is a useful and practical pure electric range.
Mercedes claims a fuel economy up to 0.8 l/100km. Of course, similar to the real-world electric range, the real-world fuel economy will be impacted by a number of factors. Bottom-line, achieving anywhere close to the manufacturer claimed economy, the use of the pure electric mode on a regular basis, will be key. Having said that, the A250e plug-in hybrid will deliver a better fuel economy, compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant.
The Mercedes electric hatchback has a 7.4 kW onboard charger, capable of single-phase AC charging. Though the EV can be charged using a domestic 3-PIN socket, we at e-zoomed encourage using a dedicated home EV charger like myenergi zappi. A 7 kW EV charger will charge the EV from 10% to 100% in under 3 hrs. The electric car is not capable of fast DC charging.
From a practical point of view, we recommend a ‘topping-up’ approach to EV charging. This way the EV battery is never fully depleted and charging times are shorter. Moreover a topping up approach is also better for the long-term health and maintenance of the EV battery. Mercedes offers a 6 years or 100,000 km warranty.
The front-wheel drive Mercedes A 250e plug-in hybrid combines a 1.3-litre (4-cylinder) petrol engine with a 75 kW electric motor. The performance of the electric car is appropriate for both city and highway driving. Given the electric motor, the EV also benefits from instant torque (450 Nm). The PHEV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds (max power: 218 HP). The top speed of the EV is 225 km/h. In electric mode, the top speed of the EV is 140 km/h.
The electric vehicle is technology-laden and incorporates the standard Mercedes features, to include: Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, 10.25in touchscreen display, keyless-entry, ambient lighting in 64 colours and a lot more. The EV is practical, despite a slightly smaller boot space (310 l), compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant. Given the smaller size of the EV, it is well suited for city driving and parking!
The plug-in electric car is suitable for both private and company-car drivers. Company-car drivers can also take advantage of the lower tailpipe emissions of the electric car (23g CO2/km), and the lower cost of electric driving. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| An efficient EV. Claimed fuel economy up 0.8 l/100km | Cheaper PHEV hatchback alternatives |
| Good EV range and low tailpipe emissions (23g CO2/km) | Smaller boot space compared to rivals |
| Low BiK rate (8%) for company-car drivers | More practical alternative PHEV hatchbacks available |
Gallery
The Mercedes-Benz A250e PHEV Hatchback (credit: Mercedes)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | Hatchback |
| Engine: | Petrol/ Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (1 Option) |
|---|
| Mercedes-Benz A 250 e (from € 66,230) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 15.6 kWh |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 3 hrs) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 23g (CO2/km) |
| Battery Warranty: | 6 years or 100,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | € 2.10 |
| Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | € 2.78 |
| Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | € 2.87 |
| Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | € 3.14 |
| Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | € 3.37 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state-of-charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1452 |
| Width (mm): | 1992 |
| Length (mm): | 4419 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2729 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11 |
| Boot capacity (L): | 310 |
| Mercedes-Benz A250e | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 15.6 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 75 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 15.2 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 0.8 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 3 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 225 km/h (electric: 140 km/h) |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 75 |
| Max Power (hp): | 218 (system output) |
| Torque (Nm): | 450 (system output) |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,680 |
| Colours: | 7 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Top Reasons To Buy A Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Never have the reasons to buy a pure electric car been more compelling, than in 2023. The past decade has witnessed a significant maturity of all types of electric vehicles (EVs), to include, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
In particular, BEVs have improved significantly, to include: e-range, styling, performance, choice, availability and more! A BEV, also known as a pure electric car, is propelled using energy stored in an EV battery via an electric motor. While a PHEV uses ‘hybrid technology’, to include, an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor, to propel the vehicle. A BEV does not use an internal combustion engine!
In terms of zero-emission electric range, the latest generation of all-electric cars can achieve between 200 km to 500 km on a single charge. Some even more. As an example, the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQE saloon has a claimed electric range up to 618 km (WLTP) on a single charge. We can continue to expect further improvements in battery performance and electric range in the coming years.
In terms of style and performance, we are now spoilt for choice across all budget segments. Even the likes of the famed ultra-luxurious automotive manufacturer, Rolls-Royce Motors Cars has joined the race to the migration to pure electric cars.
The all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre is a defining chapter in the history of the famed luxury automotive manufacturer, as it migrates to the production of electric cars. From 2030, Rolls-Royce will electrify its entire portfolio of luxury cars. The Spectre is the first production pure electric car, which was announced in September 2021. The launch of the Rolls-Royce Spectre is also a defining moment for the global automotive industry!
| Top Reasons To Buy A Pure Electric Car | |
|---|---|
| Tailpipe emissions: | A pure electric car has zero-tailpipe emissions i.e. improves air quality in the immediate area. |
| Cheaper to ‘charge’ than ‘fill’: | Significantly cheaper to recharge a full EV battery, compared to filling a full tank of petrol or diesel. An EV battery can be charged for as little as€10, while filling a tank of fuel is usually over€100! |
| Cheaper running costs: | Cheaper to drive per km, compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol/ diesel car. An EV costs less than 10 cents per km to drive. |
| Lower maintenance costs: | Lower maintenance costs, compared to aninternal combustion engine petrol/ diesel car. Pure electric cars have fewer moving parts, so less can go wrong! |
| Lower noise pollution: | Lower noise pollution,compared to aninternal combustion engine petrol/ diesel car. Noise pollution is as detrimental to health, as air pollution! |
| Smoother and quieter drive: | BEVs are in general silent, improving the travel experience in the cabin. Moreover, the delivery of power is smoother, further enhancing the driving experience. |
| Instant torque: | Yes certainly, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) have better torque performance compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. BEVs can deliver immediate torque. The better torque performance of electric cars, further contributes to the ‘fun factor’ in driving an EV, compared to a conventional car. |
| Vast choice for all budgets: | A vast range of fantastic EV available on sale, for all budgets, body types and aspirations. |
| Government grants: | Attractive government subsidies to support the uptake of electric cars. Take advantage while still available. |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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