Mercedes reveals next generation drivetrain
Mercedes-Benz has revealed details of a new electric drivetrain that brings the drive technology of its concept electric car the VISION EQXX (with 800V system and SiC inverter) to the company's upcoming subcompact CLA class of EVs.
The 200 kW electric drive unit was developed entirely in-house by Mercedes-Benz engineers. In addition to the SiC-based inverter for efficient energy utilisation, the four wheel drive 4MATIC models will have an 80kW drive unit on the front axle, also equipped with a SiC inverter.
The company says that the electric drive, as demonstrated in the Concept CLA Class aims for a range of over 750km (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure). With battery-to-wheel efficiency of 93 percent on long journeys, it also offers high ranges in real-world operation.
Mercedes-Benz is using an 800V electric architecture for the first time, allowing fast charging. In conjunction with the premium version of the battery, this configuration enables high-power DC charging at up to 320 kW.
The focus on time-efficiency has already earned a close-to-production prototype of the CLA (pictured above) a successful record drive. The pre-series model covered exactly 3,717 km in 24 hours at Nardò in southern Italy.
