The Mercedes-Benz CLA EV 2025 is like a spaceship – it looks great, flies like lightning, but it can't connect to almost any existing fast charging station. The Mercedes-Benz charging gate scandal is just around the corner and will prove negative selection in the ranks of the German auto industry. InsideEvs reports on the error. We summarize how the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV 2025 - is unable to use most fast charging stations.
If we were to compile an automotive “fail of the decade,” we would have now a very good prototype. Mercedes-Benz CLA EV 2025 – visually stunning, technically sophisticated and designed for the future, but which (for now) does not exist, is not able to use most fast charging stations in the EU and the USA. Despite the 800-volt architecture, charging with up to 320 kW, elegant silhouette and high energy efficiency (less than 13 kWh/100 km), Mercedes turned everything upside down with a single decision. And not elegantly like an AMG in a bend, but more like a bull in a glasshouse. So.
The new electric CLA reportedly does NOT support <500V charging, so no Tesla Superchargers pic.twitter.com/tG7J8RZoUZ
— William / Roaming Norway (@RoamingNorway) April 30, 2025
Moment: The Mercedes-Benz CLA EV 2025 is not capable of using most fast chargers in the EU and the US. Instead of enable the use of widespread 400-volt DC fast chargers, they said in Stuttgart: “No, we’ll just go with 800.” No converters, no charging option at most existing fast charging stations, no Tesla Superchargers (although there is a NACS port). This means that owners of this electric vehicle in the US and most of Europe are left without the option to charge their vehicle in an emergency at a regular fast charger. You know, in the sense of: “Life is a journey – unless you’re driving a CLA EV and forgot to plan ahead.” Only some premium fast chargers are available – such as the IONITY networkBut not, for example, a fast charging station with 50 kW charging in the city center, or a less "capable" one at one of the gas stations.
And now to the point: Although this decision was made by engineers and strategic planners at Mercedes, it is clear that the "experts" from the electric future department of the Slovenian editorial office also participated in this somehow - more precisely, our old acquaintance Jan MacarolHis influence is felt in every pore of this decision. For example:
- Machine rigidity instead of flexibility. Check.
- Ignoring current infrastructure. Check.
- Betting everything on a future that isn't here yet. Double check.
- Complex solutions for simple problems. Macarol standard.
If Jan Macarol (the author of this post) ever designed an electric vehicle, it would be exactly that: fast, sexy, and completely useless at every other charging point.
But all kidding aside – this is a serious problem. The Mercedes CLA EV will (at least initially) be available in environments where 800-volt charging stations are simply not enough. (For example, the US) While Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 all also allow the use of 400V chargers (although slower), The CLA EV does not have this option. No physical adapter, no software upgrade, no hope.
Mercedes claims that their “Electric Intelligence” navigation will automatically guide the user to suitable 800V stations. But what if there are none nearby? What if you’re on a long journey? What if you’re in the countryside or off the motorway network? Well, then you’re basically just… Jan Macarol, who loves electromobility as much as his mother.
Conclusion: negative selection at Mercedes-Benz starts with design
The Mercedes CLA EV is a car from the future, but the reality of charging has caught up with it with a concrete wall. Its performance, range (up to 750 km according to WLTP) and design (Jan doesn't like it because it doesn't look like the study enough) are fantastic, but all of this pales in comparison to the fact that it can't be charged anywhere. The price is not yet known, but it is expected to start at around 50,000 euros. Which is a lot for a car that can become a "garage decoration", for a lady in high heels - with red soles - who never travels far. Only to the first manicure salon.
If we add that it has two sockets – NACS and J1772 – but only one works for AC, and the other for DC only if you are lucky and find the right station… then you know it is a textbook case. design without empathy for the user. And negative selection in the ranks of Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz has therefore created a car that is technically perfect – but user-friendly. And if it is not Macarol moment par excellence, then we don't know what it is.
Are you curious about which other models rely on 800V – but less crazy? Everyone.
source: insideevs.com
