Concept CLA Class Launching End of Next Year
Battery Options Based on Low and High Trims
Samsung Solid-State Battery Interest... "Cooperation Discussions"
Futuristic Design, Differentiation from Internal Combustion Cars
Customers will be able to choose between NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) batteries and LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries for Mercedes-Benz’s compact electric sedan. The design will be futuristic to differentiate it from internal combustion engine vehicles, and the company’s iconic ‘three-pointed star’ will be featured throughout the vehicle.
On the 4th (local time), our publication interviewed Markus Sch?fer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mercedes-Benz, and Gordon Wagner, Chief Design Officer (CDO), at the 2023 IAA Mobility Show held in Munich, Germany, about the future direction of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. According to both, the electric vehicle ‘Concept CLA Class’ unveiled at this mobility show reflects the future look of Mercedes-Benz electric cars.
Battery Options and Growing Interest in Solid-State Batteries... CTO Sch?fer
The Concept CLA Class, scheduled for release at the end of next year, will be offered in two trims. The lower-priced trim will feature an LFP battery, while the higher-priced trim will be equipped with an NCM battery. Each can travel 500 km and 750 km respectively on a single charge (WLTP standard). CTO Sch?fer stated, “In the future, we will continue to offer consumers choices. Customers who are price-sensitive and less concerned about driving range can choose the LFP battery, while those who prioritize driving range can opt for the higher-priced trim.”
Marcus Sch?fer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mercedes-Benz, is being interviewed by our publication at the 2023 IAA Mobility Show held in Munich, Germany, on the 4th (local time). [Photo by Mercedes-Benz Korea]
When asked about collaboration with Korean companies (SK On, Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, etc.), he showed interest in ‘solid-state batteries.’ He said, “I recently heard about Samsung’s development of solid-state batteries and am interested in it. Discussions on cooperation are ongoing in various areas.”
Regarding the surprise announcement by Ola K?llenius, Chairman, about the launch of a compact G-Wagen electric vehicle the day before, CTO Sch?fer clarified that it is not based on a new electric vehicle platform. He said, “It will use a completely separate platform and, as a model with a 40-year tradition, it will be expanded as another brand.”
He also mentioned efforts to build an electric vehicle charging network. Ola, who visited Korea last month, pledged to install ultra-fast chargers in the country. CTO Sch?fer’s team announced that the first charging station in Korea will be installed by the end of 2024. This charger will provide charging speeds of up to 400 kW and will be compatible with electric vehicles from brands other than Mercedes-Benz.
“We Will Pursue a Truly Electric Vehicle Design” ? CDO Wagner
Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle design is expected to continue focusing on ‘differentiation from internal combustion engine vehicles.’ CDO Wagner explained that although EQ (Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicle brand) models may appear futuristic and difficult to adapt to, “this was intentional.” He compared electric vehicles to high-speed trains and internal combustion engine vehicles to conventional trains, saying, “We emphasized differentiation itself and deliberately changed the design.”
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer (CDO) of Mercedes-Benz, is giving an interview to this publication at the 2023 IAA Mobility Show held in Munich, Germany, on the 4th (local time). [Photo by Mercedes-Benz Korea]
He also noted that the different customer bases for electric and internal combustion engine vehicles were a design consideration. He said, “Customers with early adopter tendencies purchase electric vehicles, perceiving them like a smartwatch such as the Apple Watch. In contrast, internal combustion engine S-Class customers tend to be conservative and prefer traditional chronograph watches.”
Regarding the 2,510 ‘three-pointed stars’ visible on the Concept CLA Class, CDO Wagner said the design was intended to firmly establish Mercedes-Benz’s unique value. “The deliberate inclusion of the three-pointed star in areas like the front light section was to solidify Mercedes-Benz’s ‘signature,’” he explained. “We wanted people to recognize it as a Mercedes-Benz vehicle even from a distance.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
