Electric Cars: The Basics
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The Mercedes-Benz C Class Estate 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 C Class is currently in its fifth generation. It was first introduced in 1993. The Mercedes C Class is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Despite the introduction of a number of family PHEVs in the recent past, the number of estate plug-in electric cars on sale is still limited. Therefore, for families and company-car drivers seeking practicality, lower motoring costs and improved environmental credentials, the C Class Estate PHEV is worth consideration.
The latest C Class plug-in electric estate car has much to offer those keen on migrating to lower mission electric driving, but keen on a PHEV as a first step. The C Class PHEV has a 25.4 kWh onboard EV battery, with a claimed zero-tailpipe emission range up to 104 km (WLTP certified). This is certainly impressive and above average compared to the pure electric range on offer from an average PHEV.
Of course, the real-world electric range will depend on a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, passenger load, weather and road condition etc. Assuming a 85 km electric range is more realistic and establishes the C Class PHEV as class-leading.
The plug-in hybrid can be leveraged for both city and motorway driving. There is significant scope to take advantage of pure electric driving with this PHEV. The EV also benefits from regenerative braking to increase the zero-emission e-range.
Do keep in mind that driving the PHEV on the electric mode will result in lower tailpipe emissions and cost savings. Depending on where and when the EV is charged, the cost per km on electric mode is between 5 cents and 10 cents i.e. far cheaper than using the internal combustion engine (ICE).
Also impressive is the reduced tailpipe emissions of the C Class plug-in hybrid (13g CO2/km). Everyone benefits from reduced local air pollution. Of course, when the PHEV is driven on the pure electric mode, the tailpipe emissions are zero!
Mercedes claims a fuel economy up to 0.6 l/100km. Like real-world electric range, the real-world fuel economy will be impacted by a number of factors. Nevertheless, the EV offers class-leading efficiency. The key is to use the e-mode on a regular basis. The more the usage, the better!
The EV has a 11 kW (3 phase) onboard charger. As most homes in Ireland are limited to single-phase power supply, taking advantage of the 3-phase onboard charger will be a challenge for home charging. Having said that, charging the electric car via a dedicated residential EV charger, should have the EV fully charged in 3 hours 30 minutes. Of course, there is an opportunity to take advantage of 3-phase workplace charging. The EV offers DC charging up to 55 kW DC. The electric estate can be charged 10% to 80% in 20 minutes.
The rear-wheel drive Mercedes C Class plug-in hybrid pairs a 2.0-litre (4 cylinder) combustion petrol engine with an electric motor (95 kW). The 9-speed automatic transmission C300e PHEV delivers a combined system output up to 313 hp (550 Nm torque). The EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The petrol plug-in hybrid has a top speed up to 240 km/h. The EV is also available as an all-wheel drive (AWD).
As can be expected from Mercedes, the C 300e PHEV has a luxurious interior and technology-laden, to include: Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) – controlled via voice or touch input, the innovative infotainment system can over time even predict personal habits thanks to artificial intelligence.
Other standard specifications include, active brake assist, blind spot assist, wireless charging, ambient lighting (staged – 64 colours), KEYLESS-GO starting function and high-resolution multimedia colour display. The PHEV is spacious and practical for families and can comfortably seat adults in the rear seats (ample legroom and headroom). The boot size is 360 L.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Impressive pure electric range | Options are expensive |
| Low tailpipe emissions | Boot space impacted by EV battery |
| Good fuel efficiency for its class | Exterior styling traditional for some |
Gallery
The Mercedes-Benz C Class Estate PHEV (credit: Mercedes)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | Estate |
| Engine: | Petrol/ Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (3 Options) |
|---|
| Mercedes-Benz C 300 e Estate (from € 87,555) |
| Mercedes-Benz C 300 d e Estate (from € 91,524) |
| Mercedes-Benz C 300 d e 4MATIC Estate (from € 94,157) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 25.4 kWh |
| Charging: | 55 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 20 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-100%: 2 hrs) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 13g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 6 years or 160,000 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): | 1494 |
| Width (mm): | 2033 |
| Length (mm): | 4755 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2865 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.07 |
| Boot Capacity (L): | 360 |
| C 300e | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 25.4 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 104 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 18.6 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 0.6 |
| Charging: | 55 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 20 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-100%: 2 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 240 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 95 kW |
| Max Power (hp): | 313 (system output) |
| Torque (Nm): | 550 (system output) |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,290 |
| Colours: | 11 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Longest Range Plug-In Hybrid Electric Cars: Top 5
The continued improvement in the development of electric cars is not limited to only pure electric cars, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). In fact, we have also witnessed improvements for the latest-generation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In particular, increased range and lower emissions.
In the list below of longest-range PHEVs, all EVs have a claimed WLTP e-range over 100 km. Leading the pack is the Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid with an emission-free electric range up to 114 km. In regards to tailpipe emissions, Mercedes PHEVs top the list with tailpipe emissions as low as 13g (CO2/km), significantly lower compared to the conventional petrol or diesel variants!
Though historically, plug-in hybrids have played an important role in the migration from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles to all-electric cars, given the significant improvement in the e-range of pure electric cars, the role of PHEVs has reduced in importance. We can expect this trend to continue, as automotive manufacturers focus on developing and delivering pure electric cars. We at e-zoomed expect plug-in hybrid cars to become redundant in due course.
In general, we recommend buying a pure electric car, however, with those with very limited access to EV charging infrastructure and need to drive long distance on a regular basis, to consider a PHEV. Do keep in mind, for most families, day-to-day driving needs are limited to short journeys i.e. school runs, grocery store, gym, work, high street etc. Most of the latest-generation of pure electric cars can meet this need!
| Brand/ Model | Battery Size (kWh) | Electric Range (WLTP) | Tailpipe Emissions (CO2/km) | Body Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz C Class Plug-In Hybrid | 25.4 kWh | 104 km | 13g (CO2/km) | Estate |
| Mercedes-Benz C Class Plug-In Hybrid | 25.4 kWh | 110 km | 13g (CO2/km) | Saloon |
| Mercedes-Benz S Class Plug-In Hybrid | 28.6 kWh | 101 km | 19g (CO2/km) | Saloon |
| Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid | 38.2 kWh | 114 km | 20 – 18g (CO2/km) | SUV |
| Range Rover Plug-In Hybrid | 38.2 kWh | 112 km | 21 – 18g (CO2/km) | SUV |
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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