The EQA is the second of three planned all-electric Mercedes vehicles to be made available in Australia over the 2021/22 period.
The EQA is not built on a BEV specific platform, rather it is built on the same platform used for the petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid-powered GLA. This means that the EQA makes some compromises on interior space compared to ground-up design EV-only platforms, such as seen in its overseas competitors the VW ID.4 or Volvo XC40. (XC40 is due here in Q3 2021, however the ID.4 is unlike to be seen here until at least 2023).
Interestingly, the EQA is priced not too far above its ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) siblings – marking a significant (and pleasing) departure from the norm of large premiums over equivalent petrol car pricing where a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) model shares an ICE platform.
Mercedes-Benz EQA Variants
| Variant | Battery (kWh) | WLTP Range (km) | EPA Range (km) | Power Output (kW) | Maximum Torque (Nm) | Plug Types (AC/DC) | Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQA | 66.5 | 426 | 408 | 140 | 375 | Type 2 / CCS2 | 7.2/100 | $76,800+ |
DRIVING RANGE
Australian vehicle test standards are currently in a state of flux, with the Green Vehicle Guide showing some vehicle driving ranges using the old (and highly over-optimistic) European NEDC test cycle figure, whilst others are given using the newer (and more accurate) European WLTP test cycle figure.
Around town, the WLTP figure is the best guide to range or, if doing outer suburban to regional driving – US EPA. However, the EQA is not sold in the USA, so a US EPA figure is not available.
Using the WLTP range – the EQA would, at its maximum limit, make a round-trip from the Melbourne CBD to Wilsons Promontory in southern Victoria and back – provided neither the heating or air conditioning were used. For this sort of trip, a 2 hr top-up AC charge over lunch using a power point, or a 10 minute DC fast charge would be recommended. Currently (July 2021) the last outbound/first inbound DC charger on that route is Caltex (corner Heatherton and Stud roads, Dandenong), or make a detour to the DC charger at the Cape Display Centre in Cape Paterson.
CHARGING SPEEDS/REQUIREMENTS
Charging port
The EQA is fitted with a CCS2 socket allowing it to charge via Type 2 AC chargers as well as via CCS2 DC fast-chargers.
AC charging
The EQA is fitted with the 3 phase capable type 2 AC socket. Using single phase AC it can charge at up to 7.2kW, or at up to 11kW using a suitable three phase outlet.
Charging speeds and times vary on the capacity of the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) it is connected to and the capacities of the vehicle. Charging times for the EQA are shown in table 1 below.
DC fast charging
The EQA uses the CCS2 DC fast-charge connector and has a 100kW maximum DC charge rate.
Note:
The CCS2 DC charge connector is fitted to all new EVs sold in Australia (except the Nissan Leaf).
Mercedes-Benz EQA Time to Charge (hrs)
| Battery size (kWh) | 10A socket 1 Phase (2.4kW) | 15A 1 Phase (3.6kW) | 32A 1 phase (7.2kW) | 16A 3 phase (11kW) | DC Fast Charge (100kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66.5 | 29h | 19h | 11h | 11.25h | 30m |
Home charging considerations
General
To get the shortest home charging time for an EQA, an 11kW AC EVSE would be needed.
However, depending on your existing power supply and/or charging needs, a lower rated EVSE may only be practicable, or needed. (See notes below). Lower capacity EVSEs will increase charging times, as shown in table 1 above.
The EQA also comes with a Mode 2 portable EVSE for plugging into a 10A power point. Charging with this EVSE will take approx. 29hrs to reach full-charge from empty.
Mercedes-Benz EQA Specifications
| Cargo space (litres) | Cargo Space with rear seats folded (litres) | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Width with mirrors (mm) | Height (mm) | Tow Rating (braked / unbraked) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 340 | 1320 | 4463 | 2020 | not specified | 1624 |
