Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Different Type Of Electric Vehicles (EVs): An Introduction
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Electric Cars: Benefits Of Electric Driving: Top 5
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
What Is Regenerative Braking: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Benefits Of Green Energy: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
EV Charging Cables: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car At Home: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreSign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV 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 GLC premium mid-sized compact SUV was introduced in 2015. In 2019, the SUV was given a facelift for the 2020 model year. The GLC SUV includes two plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) options: a petrol/electric and a diesel/ electric.
The GLC PHEV is a good all-rounder for those keen to migrate to lower tailpipe-emission electric cars. For company-car drivers and families the advantage is lower driving costs when driven on electric mode. Of course, lower air pollution is another benefit. The EV has 54g (CO2/km) claimed tailpipe emission.
The Mercedes-Benz PHEV has a 13.5 kWh onboard EV battery with a WLTP (certified) zero-emission electric range up to 45 km. Nothing spectacular, but it is still a useful EV range for lowering the cost of driving. Depending on driving style, weather condition, onboard services used, passenger load etc, expect a real world range closer to 37 km. Though the EV range is limited, it is still sufficient for shorter commutes. Like most electric vehicles (EVs), the GLC PHEV incorporates regenerative braking to increase driving efficiency i.e. EV range.
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). Moreover, using the electric mode, also improves the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
Mercedes claims a fuel economy up to 2.2 l/100km for the GLC 300 e PHEV and up to 1.7 l/100km for the GLC 300 de PHEV. Of course, the real-world fuel economy will be less efficient, but far improved compared to the fuel economy of the conventional petrol variant, as far as the e-mode is leveraged.
The all-wheel drive Mercedes PHEV is available with either, a diesel (2.0-litre, 4-cylinder) or petrol engine (2.0-litre, 4-cylinder), coupled with a 90 kW electric motor. Both the petrol and diesel PHEVs have a top speed of 230 km/h (electric: 140 km/h). 0-100 km/h performance is decent, with the petrol PHEV at 5.7 seconds and the diesel PHEV at 6.2 seconds.
The onboard charger is limited to 7.4 kW AC, with the EV capable of charging 10% to 100% in 90 mins via a dedicated domestic EV charger. Using a 3-PIN domestic socket will take up to 5 hours to charge the EV battery. We at e-zoomed discourage the use of using a domestic socket to charge an EV. It is always safer and more efficient to use an electric car charging point. The electric SUV is not capable of fast DC charging.
There are certainly other cheaper alternatives for mid-sized plug-in hybrid SUVs, but of course the quality will not be a Mercedes. The GLC PHEV has both an attractive exterior appeal and a high quality, technology-filled interior, to include: the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) in car infotainment system. MBUX can be voice activated, personalised and uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to learn and adapt over time. It is able to predict personal habits, such as navigation for frequently-driven routes, or the radio stations etc.
In regards to practicality, the PHEV does have to compromise boot space for the placement of the EV battery. Despite this, the EV has a decent cargo volume (395 L). In terms of seating adults, the rear seats have ample legroom and headroom.
So for those seeking an all-rounder luxurious PHEV with lower tailpipe emissions, the GLC PHEV is worth considering. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| An attractive exterior design and high quality interior | Fuel economy not as efficient as other PHEVs in the segment |
| A practical SUV despite the placement of the onboard EV battery | An expensive PHEV. Cheaper alternatives available |
| Four-wheel drive as standard | Limited emission-free electric range |
Gallery
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 PHEV SUV (credit: Mercedes)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Petrol/ Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC (from € 91,510) |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 d e 4MATIC (from € 93,250) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 13.5 kWh |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 90 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 54 – 50g (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): | 1664 |
| Width (mm): | 2096 |
| Length (mm): | 4658 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2939 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.8 |
| Boot capacity (L): | 395 |
| GLC 300 e 4MATIC | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 13.5 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 45 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 17.5 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 2.2 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 90 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 230 km/h (electric: 140 km/h) |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 90 kW |
| Max Power (hp): | 211 (combustion engine)/ 122 (electric motor) |
| Torque (Nm): | 350 (combustion engine)/ 440 (electric motor) |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,030 |
| Colours: | 8 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| GLC 300 de 4MATIC | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 13.5 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 45 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 17.9 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 1.7 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 90 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 230 km/h (electric: 140 km/h) |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 90 kW |
| Max Power (hp): | 194 (combustion engine)/ 122 (electric motor) |
| Torque (Nm): | 400 (combustion engine)/ 440 (electric motor) |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,115 |
| Colours: | 8 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Ireland: EV Market Overview
As is the case in a number of global markets, to include, the European Union and the United Kingdom, the sale of electric cars in Ireland is also fast gaining momentum. In 2022, a total of 23,356 new electric cars were registered in Ireland. BEVs commanded the highest market share (67.13%), between the different types of electric cars, with PHEVs commanding just over 30% market share. The majority of the plug-in hybrids registered were petrol plug-in hybrids, with only very few diesel plug-in hybrids registered.
We can expect this trend to continue, given the significant increase in electric range, affordability and choice of pure electric cars in Ireland. Top EV brands in Ireland in 2022: Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, BMW and Volvo. Other popular electric car brands include: Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot and Audi.
In January 2023, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), accounted for over 20% of all new cars registered in Ireland. A total of 3,674 BEVs and 1,900 PHEVs were registered. The all-electric IONIQ 5 was the best-selling EV in Ireland in January 2023.
The government has set a target of 936,000 electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, with 845,000 to be private passenger cars. This will be approximately a third of the vehicles on roads in Ireland (currently there are 2.8 million vehicles on the road). Like many other governments, Ireland is committed to ending the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2030.
The government is committed to the rapid adoption of electric cars in the country. The Department of Transport has committed€100 million for EV subsidies in 2022 (almost double the commitment in 2021). The grant for private electric vehicles is up to€5,000 on qualifying battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), do not qualify for the electric vehicle grant.
| Top 5 Electric Cars (2022) | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 12.77% |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | 4.99% |
| Tesla Model 3 | 4.47% |
| Kia EV6 | 4.09% |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | 3.96% |
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.
Featured Articles
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQE Saloon: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The Mercedes-Benz C Class Plug-In Hybrid Saloon: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQV MPV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreFeatured Products
-
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W Trina Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.0 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: €3,155.95.€3,075.95Current price is: €3,075.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowTrinaSolarCategory:Solar -
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W Trina Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Battery Storage 6.4 kWh + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.0 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: €6,115.95.€5,999.95Current price is: €5,999.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowTrinaSolarCategory:Solar -
Bundle Offer: Sungrow Home Battery Storage (6.4 kWh) + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter (5 KW/ Single-Phase): price includes product only – Free delivery
Original price was: €4,549.95.€4,050.95Current price is: €4,050.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowCategory:Battery Storage -
Untethered Ohme Home EV Charger (7kW): price includes product only – free delivery
Original price was: €780.95.€685.95Current price is: €685.95. (Including VAT)Brand:OhmeCategory:EV Charging PointsCable:Untethered -
Custom-Made 1-Phase EV Charging Cable Type 2 to Type 2 (2m to 45m, 7.4 kW) – Made In Europe – Free Delivery
€219.95 – €645.95 (Including VAT)Category:EV Charging CablesType:Type 2Length (m):5 m10 m6 m15 m20 m2 m25 m30 m35 m40 m45 m3 m7 m8 m12 m18 m22 mCurrent (amp):32 ampPhase:Single Phase (7.4kW)This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
