Mercedes CLA 250 e EV Charging Cable

The July 2023 changeover is the date that decides your cable

Two CLA 250 e specifications exist and the dividing line is July 2023 production, not model year, which is worth checking on the build plate rather than assuming from the registration.

Before it: 10.6 kWh usable, about 44 miles of electric range, a 3.6 kW single phase charger and an optional 7.4 kW single phase upgrade that genuinely doubles what a British house can push into the car. After it: 15.6 kWh, up to 53 miles, and a 3.7 kW single phase charger whose optional upgrade goes to 11 kW but only across three phases.

Why the newer car is the slower one at home

The later CLA looks better specified and charges more slowly on a British driveway, because the upgrade it offers is one a house cannot use. Mercedes's own figures for that car are 225 minutes on one phase against 85 on three. Had a single phase been able to feed it more than 3.7 kW, those two numbers would sit much closer together.

Spending more on the lead changes nothing, as the car sets the rate. So a 32A cable earns its price only on a pre-July-2023 car whose original owner ticked the single phase option. Everywhere else, 16A and a longer lead.

How long a full charge takes

Each figure is the pack size divided by the power actually drawn, with 13 per cent added for charging losses and the result rounded to the quarter hour. Columns are the 2020 to mid-2023 car at 10.6 kWh usable and the July 2023 car at its 15.6 kWh gross figure, since no separate usable capacity is published for it. Electric range is about 44 miles on the earlier car and up to 53 on the later one.

An optional 22 kW DC socket existed on the July 2023 car in Germany. We have not been able to confirm it was sold in Britain, so assume yours has no DC unless you know otherwise.

Which length for a CLA 250 e

Rear port, with left hand drive data placing it on the right of the body and no published word on whether that mirrors for a UK car. Given the cost of guessing wrong, look at yours.

The CLA is 4.69 metres and a low car, which usually means it gets parked nose-in. If the port is at the rear on the opposite side from your charge point, that is exactly the case where 5 metres runs out, so 10 metres is the safer buy. Park the car where it normally lives, walk the run with a tape, and buy the next size up from what you measure.

How these cables are built

The cable meets IEC 62196-2, carries the CE mark, is sealed to IP55 and is specified from -30C to +50C.

The three pin cable is built to IEC 62752, CE marked, sealed to IP67 and rated from -30C to +60C. Two year warranty from the manufacturer, free next day delivery in the UK, 30 day returns.

Related: Mercedes EQA EV Charging Cable, and Mercedes charging cables for every other model we cover. For a wall box or public post the lead is the Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable.

Mercedes CLA 250 e charging cable questions

Which cable does a CLA 250 e need?

A 16A Type 2 to Type 2 lead for most cars. A 2020 to mid-2023 car ordered with the optional 7.4 kW single phase charger is the exception, and there a 32A cable halves the time.

Why does the 11 kW option not help?

Because it is a three phase option, not a higher single phase rate. A British home has one phase, so a July 2023 CLA draws 3.7 kW whether the option was fitted or not.

How long does a CLA 250 e take to charge?

About three and a quarter hours at 3.7 kW on the earlier 10.6 kWh pack, and nearer five on the later 15.6 kWh one.

Does it rapid charge?

A 22 kW DC option existed on the July 2023 car in Germany, but we cannot confirm UK availability. Assume AC only unless you know your car has it.