Mercedes plug-in hybrids could get “up to 120km electric range”

Future versions of the Mercedes C-Class and E-Class could see almost 75 miles of electric range

Driven by EQ Stuttgart 2018Mercedes-Benz C 300 de T-Modell, Brillantblau-Metallic,Leder Grau.Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 1,6-1,4 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 42-38 g/km, Stromverb

Mercedes plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) could improve enough to have pure electric range of “up to 100, or 120km of range” according to Michael Kelz, chief engineer for the new Mercedes EQC.

However, it’s unlikely that we’ll see such long-range PHEVs for five years or more. Speaking at the launch of the EQC, Kelz said that the current rate of battery technology advancement was equating to “around 10km per year, and around 35kWh would likely be the biggest battery you could see [in a plug-in hybrid].”

A range of over 70 miles (113km) and CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km would make a PHEV eligible for the Government’s plug-in car grant of £3,500. However, it’s unlikely this discount will still be offered in the five-year timeframe outlined by Kelz.

With batteries any larger than 35kWh, Kelz speculated that a range-extender - where the combustion engine functions as a generator for the batteries rather than directly driving the wheels - would make more sense.

However, he also clarified that Mercedes has no plans to offer a range extender.

Don’t expect three-cylinder engines in Mercedes PHEVs, either. Kelz stated that “for Mercedes we will stick to four-cylinders in our plug-in hybrids.”

Currently, Mercedes offers four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines in its plug-in hybrid versions of the E-Class and C-Class, which offer pure electric range of up to 34 miles (55km).

Meanwhile, the S-Class limousine features a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine.

Recommended

New Mercedes EQG: electric 4x4 on the way
Mercedes EQG prototype
News

New Mercedes EQG: electric 4x4 on the way

15 Mar 2023
Mercedes to take on Tesla with new supercharger network
Mercedes rapid charger
News

Mercedes to take on Tesla with new supercharger network

5 Jan 2023
Top 10 fastest hybrid cars 2022
fastest hybrid cars 2022
Best cars

Top 10 fastest hybrid cars 2022

11 Oct 2022
Mercedes Vision EQXX concept car breaks own record with 747-mile drive
Mercedes EQXX
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes Vision EQXX concept car breaks own record with 747-mile drive

23 Jun 2022

Most Popular

Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV
Ford Puma EV
News

Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV

The Ford Puma EV is set to arrive in 2024 with a range of over 200 miles and a tweaked exterior design
22 May 2023
Vauxhall Corsa Electric facelift brings sharp new look and tech
2024 Vauxhall Corsa Electric - header
News

Vauxhall Corsa Electric facelift brings sharp new look and tech

Vauxhall’s top-selling electric supermini has been updated for 2023, now getting the ‘Vizor’ from the Mokka Electric
24 May 2023
BMW i5 breaks cover as 5 Series EV
BMW i5 - eDrive40 dynamic front
News

BMW i5 breaks cover as 5 Series EV

BMW has unveiled an all-electric version of its long-running 5 Series, with a range of up to 362 miles
24 May 2023