Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Mercedes-Benz E Class Saloon 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 E Class premium saloon is currently in its fifth generation. It was first introduced in 2016. The E Class includes both a petrol and diesel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant.
The PHEV has a 13.5 kWh onboard EV battery, with a claimed zero-tailpipe emission range up to 52 km (WLTP certified). Of course, the real-world range will depend on a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, passenger load, weather and road condition etc. Assuming a 45 km electric range is more realistic. In any case, for shorter distances, driving in cities and towns, a 45 km electric range is sufficient.
The EV also has regenerative braking to increase the zero-emission 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).
Mercedes claims a fuel economy up to 1.5 l/100km for the E300e and 1.2 l/100km for the E300de. But achieving this will require using the onboard electric motor, powered by the EV battery on a regular basis. As is the case with the real-world electric range, expect the real-world fuel economy to be less efficient than the manufacturer claimed figures. However, the PHEV will deliver an improved fuel economy compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant (4.8 l/100km).
The EV has a 7.4 kW onboard charger and can be charged 10% to 100% via a dedicated residential EV charger like myenergi zappi in 90 minutes. Though the PHEV can also be charged using a conventional 3-PIN domestic plug (10% – 100%: 5 hrs), we at e-zoomed discourage the use domestic plugs for charging electric cars. Despite the price tag, the electric car is not compatible for rapid DC charging.
Both the petrol E300e PHEV and the diesel E300de PHEV, pair a 2.0-litre (4 cylinder) combustion engine with an electric motor (90 kW). The E300e PHEV delivers a combined system output up to 320 HP (700 Nm torque) and the E300de PHEV delivers a combined system output up to 306 HP (700 Nm torque).
The EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The petrol plug-in hybrid has a top speed up to 250 km/h. The diesel plug-in hybrid has a top speed up to 240 km/h. In electric mode, the top speed is over 128 km/h. In Ireland, the all-wheel drive (AWD) variant is also available.
As can be expected from Mercedes, the E 300 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 practical for families and can comfortably seat adults in the rear seats (ample legroom and headroom). The boot space for the EV is smaller than the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant, due to the EV battery. Nevertheless, the 370 litres available is practical.
The EV is also well suited as a company car. Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower tailpipe emissions of the PHEV (35g CO2/km) and of course, the cost savings.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
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A good executive saloon, high quality interiors and standard equipment | Limited electric range given the price tag |
Available as both petrol and diesel PHEVs | Not compatible for DC charging |
Good fuel efficiency for its class | On-board charger limited to 7.4 kW |
The Mercedes-Benz E Class Saloon PHEV (credit: Mercedes)
At A Glance | |
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EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
Body Type: | Saloon |
Engine: | Petrol/ Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (3 Options) |
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Mercedes-Benz E 300 e Plug In Hybrid (from € 76,230) |
Mercedes-Benz E 300 de Plug In Hybrid (from € 78,565) |
Mercedes-Benz E 300 de 4Matic Plug In Hybrid (from € 84,070) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
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EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 13.5 kWh |
Charging: | On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10%-100%: 90 mins). DC charging not available |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 35g (CO2/km) |
Battery Warranty: | 6 years or 100,000 km |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
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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) | |
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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 | |
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Height (mm): | 1475 |
Width (mm): | 2065 |
Length (mm): | 4935 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2939 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.6 |
Boot capacity (L): | 370 |
E 300e | |
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EV Battery Capacity: | 13.5 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 52 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 19.9 – 19.7 |
Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 1.5 |
Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10%-100%: 90 mins) |
Top Speed: | 250 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 5.9 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 90 |
Max Power (hp): | 320 (system output) |
Torque (Nm): | 700 (system output) |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 4 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,990 |
Colours: | 10 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
E 300de | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 13.5 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 51 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 20.6 – 20.4 |
Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 1.2 |
Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10%-100%: 90 mins) |
Top Speed: | 240 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 5.9 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 90 |
Max Power (hp): | 306 (system output) |
Torque (Nm): | 700 (system output) |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 4 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,060 |
Colours: | 10 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Buying EV Cables: Top 3 Tips
When it comes to electric car charging cables, an astute electric car owner will focus on quality and performance over cheapest price. We at e-zoomed have an excellent range of high quality and high performance electric car charging cables, all priced very competitively! At e-zoomed we offer charging cables from 2m to 50m for single-phase and three-phase EV charging cables as standard.
EV Cables: Top 3 Tips | |
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Never buy cheap: | Not all EV charging cables are the same. It is simply false economy to try and save a few Euro’s on buying a cheaper cable, when in all probability the EV you own is worth over € 30,000! Nor are we suggesting you buy the most expensive. There is always a balance between price and quality, and electric car charging cables are no different. The last thing you need is to have the EV charging cable stop working when you most need it. EV cables on the e-zoomed Electric Living Shop are made from TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), a higher quality material that is extremely flexible, durable and smooth to touch. |
The shortest length is never the best choice: | A number of customers seek the shortest length (2m EV charging cable) because it is the cheapest. However a 2m EV cable is limited in practicality and usually not a good long-term investment. Most charging destinations (home or public) require an EV charging cable that is longer than 2m. In our experience, most customers buy EV charging cables between 5m and 25m. We recommend at least a 5m charging cable. It is long enough to meet most charging needs, but compact enough to be carried and put away easily! Of course, a number of customers need even longer EV cables. |
A lower technical specification EV charging cable Is never the best choice: | As above, a number of electric car owners seek to buy a 16 amp (single-phase) EV charging cable, instead of a 32 amp (single-phase) EV charging cable. The reason is simple. The 16 amp is marginally cheaper! However, a 16 amp charging cable charges at 3.6kW, a much slower rate to a 32 amp EV charging cable that charges at 7.2 kW. An ampere is the unit for measuring electricity. The accepted standard unit used for measuring how fast an electric current flows is an example of an ampere. The reason why customers in Ireland buy a single-phase EV cable, is because most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply. Also important to asses is the IP Rating for the EV cable. Not all EV cables have the same IP Rating. Of course, warranty is also important. Most EV cables are sold with a warranty of at least 2 years! |
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