Electric Cars: The Basics
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The Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 GLE (formerly M-Class) premium mid-sized SUV was introduced in 1997. It is currently in its fourth generation, which was unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The GLE PHEV SUV is only available as a diesel/electric variant.
For a start the GLE PHEV does stand out from the average plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, given the 31.2 kWh onboard EV battery. In general, most PHEVs tend to have an EV battery smaller than 15 kWh. With the larger EV battery, the GLE 350 de plug-in hybrid SUV also commands a higher EV range, in comparison to other PHEVs.
Mercedes-Benz claims the PHEV has an electric range up to 93 km (WLTP certified). Real-world range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, braking profile, road conditions, weather conditions, passenger load etc. Either way, the electric vehicle (EV) should be able to deliver over 80 km with zero-tailpipe emissions. This should be sufficient for most urban needs and also for shorter motorway driving.
The all-wheel drive Mercedes PHEV can be charged using both AC and DC charging. The EV can be charged up to 60 kW DC (10% – 80%: 20 mins). Keep in mind that most plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) do not offer DC charging.
However, given the premium price tag, it is imperative that this PHEV offer fast DC charging! For AC charging, the electric car has a 7.4 kW onboard charger, allowing the EV to be charged up to 100% via a domestic single-phase EV charger in 3 hours and 30 minutes. We discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic socket for EV charging.
We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way, EV range is available to use and regular charging also improves the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Mercedes offers a 6 years or 100,000 km warranty for the EV battery.
The 100 kW electric motor is coupled with a 2.0-litre (4-cylinder) diesel engine (a petrol variant is not available). Overall performance of the Mercedes PHEV is respectable: 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and a 210 km/h top speed (320 bhp/ 700 Nm).
Given the hybrid engine configuration, the plug-in SUV is more economical to drive compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant. Mercedes claims a fuel economy up to 0.7 l/100km. Of course, the more the vehicle is driven on the electric mode, the greater the potential for fuel economy and savings.
The EV is a good blend of luxury and practicality. The SUV can seat up to 5 adults, with ample headroom and legroom for adults seated on the rear seats (7 seater option not available). Despite the large onboard EV battery, the EV has up to 490 L cargo volume, but smaller compared to the conventional ICE variant (630 L).
The PHEV is technology-packed, to include the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system that used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict the drivers behaviour and needs.
The GLE PHEV is also well suited for company car drivers, given the low tailpipe emissions (20g CO2/km). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| An attractive exterior design and high interior quality | Only available as a diesel/electric PHEV |
| Good battery size, EV range and fuel economy | An expensive PHEV. Cheaper alternatives available |
| Low tailpipe emissions (20g) | Onboard charger limited to single-phase AC charging |
Gallery
The Mercedes-Benz GLE PHEV SUV (credit: Mercedes)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Diesel-Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | No |
| Variants (3 Options) |
|---|
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de AMG Line (from € N/A) |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de AMG Line Premium (from € N/A) |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de AMG Line Premium Plus (from € N/A) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 31.2 kWh |
| Charging: | 60 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 20 mins). On-board charger 7.4 kW AC |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 20g (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): | 1795 |
| Width (mm): | 2157 |
| Length (mm): | 4924 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2995 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 12.02 |
| Boot capacity (L): | 490 |
| GLE 350 de 4MATIC AMG Line | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 31.2 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 93 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 24.8 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100km): | 0.7 |
| Charging: | 60 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 20 mins). On-board charger 7.4 kW AC |
| Top Speed: | 210 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 100 |
| Max Power (hp): | 320 (system output) |
| Torque (Nm): | 700 (system output) |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,655 |
| Colours: | 10 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
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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