Electric car concept drives 466 miles on single charge

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【Summary】Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new electric car concept, the Concept CLA Class, which claims to have a range of 466 miles on a single charge, surpassing Tesla's Model S and Model X. The car features a long glass roof, low energy lights, sustainable materials, and a sporty design. It is set to go into production in late 2024. The concept also includes innovative features such as an LED panel in place of the grille, an expansive glass roof, and a digital panel inside the car.

FutureCar Staff Sep 06, 2023 4:15 PM PT

Electric car concept drives 466 miles on single charge

German automobile maker Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new concept car, the Concept CLA Class, at the International Motor Show in Munich. This four-door sedan boasts a range of 466 miles on a single charge, surpassing the range of Tesla cars. The vehicle measures over 15 feet long and features panoramic windows, a glass roof, and low-energy lights. It is constructed using sustainable materials such as biotechnology-based fabric, bamboo fiber, and reduced emissions steel and aluminum. Unlike previous prototypes, the Concept CLA Class is set to go into production in late 2024, although the price is yet to be confirmed.

The CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius, stated that the new concept car combines aesthetics with masterful engineering. He described the Concept CLA Class as the forerunner for a new segment of all-electric entry-level vehicles at Mercedes-Benz. The car is designed to cater to car buyers who desire the unmistakable Mercedes-Benz feel, enhanced features, greater comfort and safety, and the most advanced technology.

One of the main concerns that deter people from buying electric vehicles is range anxiety. To address this, automakers strive to maximize the range of their vehicles by increasing battery capacity, improving battery chemistry, enhancing aerodynamics, utilizing lightweight materials, optimizing software, and implementing regenerative braking. With its impressive range of 466 miles, the Concept CLA Class surpasses existing electric cars on the market, including Tesla's Model S and Model X.

Mercedes-Benz attributes the long range of the Concept CLA Class to its innovative battery, which incorporates more silicon-oxide for improved energy density. Additionally, the car features an 800V charging configuration that enables rapid charging of up to 248 miles in just 15 minutes. The vehicle's aerodynamics are enhanced by its distinctive shark nose design, reminiscent of models from the 50s and 60s.

The exterior of the Concept CLA Class includes an LED panel in place of the traditional grille, emitting light at very low energy. The car also boasts an expansive glass roof adorned with three-point star-shaped LEDs, allowing ample natural light into the cabin. Inside, the car features white and purple racing-style seats upholstered in sustainably produced and processed leather. The dashboard is equipped with an ultra-wide digital panel that displays key metrics and provides video streaming options for the front passenger.

While the Concept CLA Class represents a futuristic design, Mercedes-Benz has also showcased other concept cars, such as the One-Eleven and the Vision AVTR. The One-Eleven is an all-electric reboot of the experimental C111 from the 1960s and 1970s, featuring an ultra-flat aerodynamic body and gull-wing doors. The Vision AVTR, developed in partnership with James Cameron's movie Avatar: The Way of Water, aims to blur the lines between man and machine but has not been slated for release.