What Were They Thinking? The Mercedes CLA EV Is Compatible Only with 800V DC Fast Chargers | Carscoops
Older 400V charging stations are reportedly incompatible with the luxury electric vehicle.
13 hours ago
by Michael Gauthier
The Mercedes CLA EV is said to lack a DC/DC booster, restricting its functionality to 800V DC fast chargers.
As a result, the vehicle can only be charged at specific stations, potentially leaving owners in a difficult situation.
Mercedes has been tight-lipped about this decision, which seems like an unusual oversight for a luxury model.
Critics easily point out flaws in the redesigned Mercedes CLA, noting its unappealing design and an interior that feels lifeless due to the abundance of screens. Additionally, the names of the electric variants, such as CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology, are criticized as uninspired.
This issue may be just the beginning, as a recent report indicates that the EV does not support 400V DC fast charging. According to Wards Auto, the absence of a 400V-to-800V DC/DC converter significantly restricts charging options. Non-compatible stations reportedly include “50 kW public chargers and a significant portion of Tesla’s current Supercharger network.”
More: Starry But Soulless 2026 Mercedes CLA Leans On AI And Electric Power
It appears that this limitation is tied to Mercedes' focus on achieving a 320 kW DC fast charging capability, which allows the vehicle to increase its charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 22 minutes. The publication explained, “Since CCS cables are capped at 500 amps, 800 volts is required to surpass a 200 kW charging speed.”
In contrast, other manufacturers like Hyundai and Kia incorporate a DC-to-DC voltage booster to facilitate fast charging and broader compatibility. This oversight is not ideal for a luxury brand, coming across as a cost-cutting decision that restricts consumer access to charging stations.
Mercedes has reportedly refrained from explaining the omission of the voltage booster in the CLA, which could surprise some owners. A review of websites and configurators for the vehicle in various countries revealed no mention of this limitation. Nevertheless, Wards Auto noted a disclaimer stating that “charging at 400V charging stations is not possible, and as such, they are not included in the navigation system.”
It remains uncertain whether this problem is confined to the launch model, but the publication pointed out speculation that the version intended for Norway may include a DC/DC booster. This suggests a market-specific strategy, though potential customers might consider waiting for further developments.
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What Were They Thinking? The Mercedes CLA EV Is Compatible Only with 800V DC Fast Chargers | Carscoops
It has been reported that older 400V charging stations may not be compatible with the luxury electric vehicle.