The first all-electric model from Mercedes-Benz, the EQC 400 was first shown in production form in late 2018 and released in 2019 for sale in Europe. Officially introduced into Australia in December 2019, sales only really kicked off here in 2020. Whilst it is currently the only all-electric vehicle in the Mercedes stable, the EQC range is expected to expand to seven models by 2023.
The EQC 400 is medium to large SUV based on the same platform as the ICE powered GLC. As such, it is similar in size to the Jaguar I-Pace, but about 300mm shorter than the Tesla Model X. It uses an on-demand all-wheel drive using front-wheel drive for all normal driving.
Mercedes-Benz EQC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQC400 4MATIC | 80 | 411 | 370 | 300 | 760 | Type 2 (AC) / CCS2 (DC) | 7/110 | $137,900+ |
DRIVING RANGE
The EQC has a quoted range of 417 km under the latest European WLTP test cycle# and 471 using the current Australian mandated (NEDC) test cycle.
For instance, the EQC would, at its limit, make a round-trip from the Melbourne CBD to Ararat (in western Victoria) and back – provided the heating or air conditioning were not heavily used. For this sort of trip, a 30 min to 1hr top-up AC charge over lunch or a minimum 5 to 10 minute charge at the Ballarat DC fast charger site would be recommended.
# WLTP range figures are not yet mandated for use in Australia.
CHARGING SPEEDS/REQUIREMENTS
Charging port
The EQC is fitted with a CCS2 socket allowing it to charge via Type 2 AC chargers as well as via CCS2 DC fast-chargers.
Note: the EQC can be charged at any AC EVSE, however an adaptor will be needed to use EVSEs fitted with Type 1 (J1772) plugs.
AC charging
Although fitted with the 3 phase type 2 AC socket as part of the CCS2 system, the EQC charges using single phase AC only at a maximum rate of 7.4kW.
Charging speeds vary on the capacity of the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) it is connected to. Approximate AC charging times for 0 – 100% and DC 0 – 80% are shown in the table below.
DC fast charging
The EQC uses the CCS2 fast-charge connector. This connector is fitted to all new EVs sold in Australian except the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. (CCS has become the main DC fast-charge system in both Australia and overseas).
Mercedes-Benz EQC Time to Charge (hrs)
| Battery size (kWh) | 10A socket | 16A 1 phase (3.6kW) | 32A 1 phase (7.4kW) | 16A 3 phase (11kW) | 32A 3 phase (22kW) | DC Fast Charge (50kW) | DC Fast Charge (150kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 35h | 22h | 11h | 22h | 11h | 81m (to 80%) | 37m (to 80%) |
Home charging considerations
To get the shortest home charging time for the EQC, a 7.4kW AC EVSE would be needed.
However, depending on your existing power supply and/or charging needs, it may only be practicable to fit a lower rated EVSE. (See notes below). Lower capacity EVSEs will increase charging times, as shown in table 1 above.
Mercedes-Benz EQC 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | not specified | 4771 | 1884 | 2096 | 1622 |
