A week ago, we learned of a very strange decision from Mercedes-Benz about its new electric CLA-Class sedan. The new EV will be capable of a very impressive 492-mile range on the WLTP test, and, thanks to its 800V electrical system, it will be able to charge at up to 320 kW. That’s seriously quick charging, but there was one problem.
The new CLA would only be able to charge at an 800V-capable Level 3 fast charge station. While some L3 chargers support multiple voltages, it’s tough to tell until you get there. On the Tesla Supercharger network, which the CLA can access through its NACS plug, only the latest V4 Tesla Superchargers offer the ability. Now, CarBuzz has learned from Mercedes-Benz, the situation has changed.
Yesterday, a Mercedes-Benz USA spokesperson reached out to CarBuzz with an update that both clarified and improved the situation.
2026 CLA EQ Will Get Voltage Converter
“Public charging point technology varies across the world, and the networks widely available in the U.S. and Europe are different. We’re committed to offering our customers the best experience and believe fast charging at 800V gives the best and most convenient experience.” That’s hard to disagree with, as 800V is the quickest current charging.
But Benz acknowledged that in the US 800V was rarer, and that came with a fix. “After the initial limited delivery of cars late this year for demonstration of the CLA’s fast-charging abilities, 2026 US customer orders from early next year will feature a converter and be capable of charging at 400V and faster 800V, meaning the largest number of U.S. charging points, currently over 140,000.”
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It doesn’t just look slippery, it is.
Mercedes-Benz is adding a voltage converter to the CLA-Class EV to make sure that it can charge using 400V Level 3 charge stations. As the company said, that now means access to more than 140,000 fast-charge stations.
“After the initial limited delivery of cars late this year for demonstration of the CLA’s fast-charging abilities, 2026 U.S. customer orders from early next year will feature a converter and be capable of charging at 400V and faster 800V, meaning the largest number of U.S. charging points, currently over 140,000.”
If You’re Worried About Fast Charging, Maybe Wait A Few Months
If you’re concerned with the charging capability of your new CLA, you might want to wait for a model year 2026. Though not all of those cars will come with the converter inside. Benz said that a limited run of early model year 2026 cars would not have it. It’s not yet clear how you could tell the difference as a customer, but the car’s nav system should show you only compatible stations.
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New vs. Old: Do you prefer the new Mercedes CLA to its predecessor?
Merc’s 2026 CLA has an all-new face, an optional Superscreen that sweeps across the dashboard, and leans more heavily on electrified powertrains with two fully electric models and an upcoming hybrid. But is it an improvement over the stylish previous model?
The latest CLA-Class has concept-car looks, and with 142 of them in the grille, it has us seeing stars. It is one of the sleekest designs on the road with a drag coefficient of just 0.21. The launch model, the CLA 350 with EQ Technology, will offer 349 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. With its 85 kWh battery pack, the ultra-efficient EV delivers up to 492 miles of range on the WLTP cycle, which should translate to somewhere around 400 when the EPA tests are complete.
You should be able to find the new CLA at dealers later this year. Hybrid models and pricing for the new CLA will come later.
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