Mercedes-Benz has announced its latest compact sedan, the CLA, will be available as both an all-electric car and a hybrid. The move marks a significant shift for the German luxury carmaker, which is prioritizing electric vehicles despite uncertain demand and government policies.
According to Ola Källenius, chief executive of Mercedes-Benz, introducing electric options is crucial in maintaining a significant part of their revenues. “If the world is not dominant electric by 2030, we cannot walk away from a significant part of our revenues,” he said.
The CLA will have an estimated driving range of almost 500 miles between charges and can add over 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes using high-voltage chargers. The hybrid version will prioritize gasoline engines but be able to travel short distances solely on battery power.
Mercedes has seen declining sales in China due to the rise of electric vehicles from domestic manufacturers like BYD, with sales increasing by 35% in January and February compared to a year earlier. However, the US market remains critical for Mercedes, which produces SUVs in Alabama.
The new CLA features advanced battery technology, including silicon oxide that increases energy storage capacity, and artificial intelligence-powered apps that can provide personalized recommendations.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/business/mercedes-cla-electric-vehicle.html