Latest news with #publiccharging
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Mercedes-Benz CLA review: Merc goes star crazy with brilliant new EV
In the new CLA, Mercedes has delivered an electric car that has the potential to be one of the best on the market. Once you've got over the frankly absurd number of stars on the car – 142 illuminated ones on the grille, a similar number on the panel in front of the passenger (worth upgrading to a screen just to avoid that), stars on the bonnet, boot, in the front lights, in the rear lights and on the wheels – this is, in my view, one of the best Mercs in a generation. But it has one rather frustrating flaw – for now. Its super-advanced 800v platform means it can charge at the fastest public chargers at speeds of up to 320kW. But only at the fastest, newest public chargers that also use 800v tech. The CLA is not compatible with 400v chargers which, while still quick, make up quite a lot of the UK's public charging network. Mercedes says that its fancy new navigation system will guide you to the right charger, but most users will rather use the navigation system in their phones – which is better. CLAs that arrive next year – hopefully including the gorgeous Shooting Brake – should feature a fix. A couple of SUVs on the same platform is due at some stage, too. It's a great shame as the CLA is a fabulous car to drive. It's quick – as you'd expect – and has a lovely ride and handling balance that's fantastic in the CLA 250+ and even better in the four-wheel drive 35-+ we get next year. The tech inside the lovely, comfortable cabin is great and the quality is okay, if not as perfect as we'd want a Merc to be – there are signs of cost-cutting around. How we test I drove the new Mercedes-Benz CLA on the international launch of the car in Copenhagen. My test route included driving around the city, out on the country roads and on the motorways. And as usual, I gave the tech a thorough test, as well as assessing all practicality features, including taking a ride in the back seats. Independent rating: 8/10 Pros: Lovely to drive, long range, excellent efficiency Cons: Won't work with all chargers – yet, styling a bit chintzy, cost-cutting in places Mercedes-Benz CLA specs Price range £45,615 to £51,770 Battery size 85kWh Maximum claimed range 484 miles Miles per kWh 5.1 Maximum charging rate 320kW Battery, range, charging, performance and drive Initially we're getting the CLA 250+ which comes with a 268bhp electric motor with what is in effect a two-speed gearbox that helps give the Merc saloon a decent turn of speed – 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds. One of the most impressive features of the CLA is how well engineered it feels, both in terms of the motor's performance and the quality of the ride. You'll rarely notice the twin-speed gearbox – I just detected the slightest jolt when slowing through regenerative braking, but power comes in smoothly with no sudden snap of performance. If this is what a luxury EVs should feel like, I like it very much. The same applies to the ride comfort. Body control is excellent, the car doesn't feel too floaty while the ride is communicative, letting you know what the road surface is like, but it never feels uncomfortable. For me, the steering could be a touch heavier, but that's solved in the CLA 350+ that I also had a drive in. That more expensive model will arrive next year with four-wheel drive meaning a motor on both front and rear axles. It gives the steering just a little more weight making it even nice than in the 250+, although the ride and handling balance is just as nice. That's all hugely impressive, as is the battery tech. The CLA sits on an 800v platform, while the latest generation battery has a lower carbon footprint and higher energy density. It means that a relatively small and light 84kWh battery in the CLA will offer a range of up to 484 miles – over 50 miles more than the most efficient Tesla Model 3. That figure drops slightly when you go for bigger wheels or the more powerful and four-wheel drive 350+ model, but it's never short of impressive and the efficiency when I was driving the car of 4.5 miles/kWh was good considering the type of fast roads I was driving on. However, currently the CLA will only charge at fast-chargers with 800-volt tech. That does mean it'll accept a maximum charge rate of 320kW and will add 200 miles of charge in just ten minutes. But with so many UK fast chargers running on 400-volt tech – admittedly not the very fastest – there will be plenty of chargers off-limits to the CLA. Mercedes is promising a fix for this next year – and hopefully the lovely Shooting Brake model will feature that fix, too. Mercedes is also quick to point out that the advanced new Google Maps-based navigation is set up to not only provide optimum advice on charging places and pre-condition the car, it will also sniff out the charge points that the CLA can actually use. That will require owners to use the in-car navigation rather than the phone-based system most people prefer. If I was interested in buying a CLA, I'd hold off until a fix for this battery charging issue is confirmed. Interior, practicality and boot space The CLA is Mercedes' smallest saloon model, yet it still feels surprisingly practical. Room in the back is okay – although I'm close to six-feet tall I didn't feel headroom was a problem, despite the CLA's sporty, sloping roofline, which gets a standard and rather lovely panoramic roof in every model. The boot is a decent size and shape with 405-litres of room, too. More of an issue is the space in the footwell – if the driver or front passenger has their seat low down there might not be enough space underneath to slide your feet. There's no doubting the high-tech nature of the interior with the potential of three screens across the dash, but the big plastic panel doesn't exude quality and there's not the usual careful alignment of the dashboard panel with the doors. The doors also shut with a shimmy rather than a thud – due partly to the lack of pillars to give the car more of a coupé feel. Generally, the quality inside is okay, but there are a few other areas of cost cutting. For example, there are no rear window switches on the driver's door – instead there are just two switches and another to select either front or rear windows. It's a feature that's disappointing on a Volkswagen, and more so on a Mercedes. Being Mercedes' smallest saloon, the car feels relatively narrow, making the steering wheel feel just a tiny bit too big – no doubt due to the CLA having to share the steering wheel with its bigger cousins. The driving position is comfortable, though, and the view out is good despite the car's sporty styling. Technology, stereo and infotainment The CLA debuts Mercedes very own latest operating system the fourth version of its MBUX infotainment. It incorporates AI from Chat GPT, Microsoft and Google, choosing which platform to direct your questions that are asked via the 'Hey Mercedes' system. It works well and seamlessly with numerous apps available too, mimicking a smart phone. However, I can't help but think that most users will just connect their Apple or Android devices and use them instead. The three screens across the dash are smart and clear – you get a ten-inch driver display, a 14-inch infotainment screen and the option of a 14-inch screen in front of the passenger, too. If you don't go for the passenger screen, you have a plastic panel with over a hundred more tiny, illuminated stars staring at you – enough already! The two-level centre console features a decent amount of storage space, while there are a couple of cup holders and a wireless phone charger on the top. The star theme is back when it comes to the headlights, with Multibeam LED technology. The daytime running lights are star shaped, the 142 stars are illuminated on the grille, and the rear lights are, unsurprisingly, star-shaped, too. There are plenty of ambient lighting options inside, too. There's the expected range of driver assistance features under the banner with level two autonomous driving that'll take care of steering, accelerating and braking (with you in charge, obviously) where appropriate. And everything will be kept up to date with over-the-air updates. The level of kit as standard is impressive, plus there's a Burmester 3D surround sound system upgrade with 16 speakers and Dolby Atmos. There are also various Sound Experience options to choose from to give this EV some sound characters, and you can even sit in the car stationary and simulate revs by prodding the accelerator. The starting price for the CLA 250+ Sport Edition is competitive at £45,615, just £625 more than a Long Range Tesla Model 3 yet the Mercedes will go 47 more miles on a full charge. A sportier AMG Line version will cost £49,375, with the current range-topping AMG Line Premium model costing £51,770 – its bigger wheels and sportier styling reduces range, but it can still outpunch the Tesla by 26 miles. The Tesla is quicker, though. That 484-mile range from a relatively small 84kWh battery is hugely impressive, as is the efficiency – 4.5 miles/kWh on my mixed test route, and not hanging around, is very good result indeed. Mercedes CLA rivals Tesla Model 3 BMW i4 Hyundai Ioniq 6 FAQs How long does it take to charge? With charging speeds of up to 320kW, you can add 200 miles to the CLA's battery in just ten minutes. How much does it cost - is it worth it? Mercedes has clearly been looking long and hard at Tesla pricing, as the CLA is priced very slightly above the Model 3. It'll go a fair bit further on a single charge, though. Does Mercedes replace batteries for free? As with all EVs, the CLA's battery is covered for eight years and 100,000 miles. Why trust us Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic. The verdict: Mercedes-Benz CLA The new CLA feels like Mercedes back to its very best – and it hasn't been there for a while. I love the way the car drives, the range it offers and the on-board tech. I can take or leave the styling – there are just too many stars on there! But the biggest drawback – for the moment – is the charging compatibility of the 800v platform. I'd wait for my CLA until that issue is fixed next year.
Auto Express
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
All electric car drivers should start using Tesla Superchargers
This is a bit of a public service announcement (or ruining a well kept secret for those in the know). EV drivers: Use Tesla chargers! And not just Tesla owners, but anyone needing to top up on the go. More than half of Tesla Superchargers, including all the latest V4 units, are open to any electric car with a CCS connection – which is most of them. You can find them via Zap-Maps or Tesla's own site, but it's clear that this is still not common knowledge. With concerns over the availability of public chargers such a huge issue for plenty of buyers considering converting to EVs, this could be a massive help that many people aren't aware of. The newest V4 units are even contactless, so you don't need an app to sort payment, unlike earlier V3 chargers. Advertisement - Article continues below And here's even more public service information...! We've previously been scathing about how prohibitively costly public charging is, and how too many chargers don't have any pricing transparency. If you can top up at home for the vast majority of miles, then the numbers really stack up for an electric vehicle. However, if public charging is a regular fallback, then the cost is a lot less favourable versus petrol or diesel. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Predictably, and probably fair enough, Tesla charges owners of other brands' cars more than it does its own army of loyal drivers, but the units, generally 250kW ones – so, super-fast – are significantly below the apparent current norm of 85p-plus per kWh you find at most service stations or highway chargers. Admittedly, with Tesla you do have to watch out for steep overstay charges designed to make sure you vacate the spot as soon as the car hits the required level. Don't dwell too long over that coffee or comfort break, then. I genuinely don't want to sound like a walking Tesla advert – the company's cars are generally great, but then so are a lot of other EVs, and those models don't come with any baggage around the firm's figurehead, if that sort of thing bothers you. But making life easier for the growing number of electric vehicle drivers is really important, and hopefully this column will act as a sneaky hack to help Auto Express readers get ahead in any public charging chaos during the summer getaway! Did you know you can sell your car through Auto Express ? We'll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too . Find a car with the experts New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3… New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
EV driver shares 'infuriating' photos after arriving at charging station: 'This is going to happen more and more'
It's nearly unheard of to pull up to a gas station only to find all the pump lines have been cut. But this has become a regular occurrence for folks trying to "fill up" their cars at public EV charging stations. "In 2021, the number of U.S. registered light-duty electric vehicles on the roads reached 2.13 million vehicles, a sharp increase from the less than 100,000 EVs on the roads in 2012," according to the Energy Information Administration. This is because sales are on the rise, with Edmunds reporting that nearly 10% of new car sales in early 2025 were EVs. There has also been a dramatic increase in access to public charging stations — often found in grocery store parking lots. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in vandalism of these charging sites. One Redditor shared their frustrating experience. They posted several photos and explained, "As if public charging isn't already challenging." The images showed a bay of chargers as well as two closeups of cut cables. The poster also included a screenshot of the Electrify America app, which noted that all the stations at this site had been damaged. While the poster likely made it home or to another charging site, this left them in a precarious position. Vandalism sometimes seems to be a reaction to the assumed political leanings of EV owners, but it can also be about money. "Historically, most vandalism against EVs and charging infrastructure was committed by those with anti-EV beliefs or some personal vendetta. But more recently, thieves are just looking to make a quick buck by nabbing the copper material used in cable wiring," Inside EVs wrote. Alongside damage to chargers, bad actors have keyed electric cars and rolled coal on people. The latter is a practice of dumping excess exhaust to show off how little the offender cares for the environment. Other Redditors were quick to commiserate. When you think about owning an EV, what concerns you most about public charging stations? Chargers not working Chargers not being available Charging being too expensive Charging taking too long Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "There are a couple of sites in Seattle where this happens every month or so. It's infuriating," one person wrote. Someone else thought these incidents would continue to increase, saying, "This is going to happen more and more; they're too soft of a target." A third proposed surveillance to deter thieves: "They need to put cameras and prominent signage warning of the cameras at every charger." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Yahoo
The TSA Warns Against 'Juice Jacking' at the Airport—Here's How to Protect Yourself
The Transportation Security Administration recently warned travelers against the dangers of 'juice jacking'—but it may not be as common as you think. Juice jacking can occur when criminals install malware into public charging stations. Occurrences of juice jacking are rare, but possible—and it's always a good idea to protect yourself, just in was the last time you used a USB charging station at the airport? According to the Transportation Security Administration, you should think twice before charging your phone at one of those stations. "Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we've been told that's called 'juice/port jacking')," the TSA recently advised travelers on Facebook. "So, when you're at an airport, do not plug your phone directly into a USB port. Bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there." The warning has sparked fresh concern about "juice jacking," a cyberattack where criminals install malware on public charging stations to steal data from connected devices. But how real is this threat for everyday travelers? We asked a few experts. According to Calum Baird, a digital forensics expert, juice jacking is more theoretical than anything else. Despite the alarming warnings circulating online, Baird says he hasn't encountered any actual cases in his professional experience. "I see it pop up online every now and then, but most, if not all, modern smartphones now require confirmation prior to data transfer via USB," Baird says. Baird notes that even if travelers encounter compromised charging stations, most modern devices have built-in protections. Baird's personal experiences are also backed by the Federal Communications Commission, and on its website, the organization states that although it is technically possible, the FCC is not aware of any confirmed cases of juice jacking. Danny Jenkins, cofounder and CEO of ThreatLocker, offers another perspective on what travelers should actually worry about, and points to an unexpected source: deceptive USB-C cables. "Shady USB-C cables likely pose the greater risk, partly because the dangers of public charging ports are more widely known," he says. Jenkins says that people have become more aware of the dangers associated with public charging stations, so they're more cautious about using them. However, many travelers don't think twice about buying a cheap charging cable from a questionable vendor at an airport shop or online marketplace, making these cables a more successful point of attack. "Attackers are always searching for new exploits," he says. "While upcoming measures may mitigate issues related to juice jacking, vulnerabilities could still emerge as attackers gain access to new USB technologies and attempt to bypass these protections." While it's hard to find reports of actual juice jacking cases, it's always a good idea to take extra precautions, just in case. Jenkins says that portable battery packs can help mitigate the chances of a juice-jacking attack. If you don't have any other options aside from a public charging station, Jenkins recommends checking for signs of tampering on the USB port area. Baird says to check your phone as you plug it in. 'If it's asking you to trust a device you've connected to, decline,' he says. 'It doesn't need data transfer to charge.' While juice jacking remains largely theoretical, the TSA's cautious approach makes sense given the high-traffic nature of airports and the valuable data stored on travelers' devices. However, modern smartphones have built-in protections, and a few simple precautions can drastically eliminate any risk. Instead of avoiding public charging entirely, travelers can stay safe by bringing their own charging equipment, paying attention to device prompts, and being selective about where they source cables and adapters. After all, a dead phone battery poses a more immediate risk than juice jacking for most travelers. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Changing one thing about public chargers would make half of drivers switch to an EV sooner
New research has shown that half of drivers would switch to an electric car sooner if the VAT on public charging matched that of home charging. A pain point for many EV owners and a barrier to entry for non-EV drivers, public charging points are currently taxed at 20 per cent compared to 5 per cent when charging at home. Younger drivers, those living in flats or rental properties, and those without access to off-street parking are particularly impacted by the disparity in VAT charging rates. The research by EV charging company Gridserve found that 84 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds and 76 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds say they'd be more inclined to switch to an electric car under a more even tax structure. In cities where off-street parking is less available, drivers are especially keen to see a change in the VAT rate. Three in four Londoners say they'd switch to an EV sooner compared to the national average of almost half. Two in five drivers nationally called the disparity in VAT charging rates unfair. EV running costs are typically cheaper than combustion cars, but the cost of using public charging points is significantly higher than charging at home, where overnight energy tariffs and reduced VAT can see prices fall as low as 7p per kWh. Drivers with at-home charging save around £1,000 per year compared to those without home charging, and around £800 compared to typical internal combustion engine drivers. Gridserve CEO Daniel Kunkel said: 'Removing VAT from public charging would be a significant move towards levelling the playing field and making EV ownership easier for everyone, no matter where they live. The current disparity between the 20 per cent VAT on public EV charging and the 5 per cent on home charging puts a disproportionate financial burden on those without home charging facilities, which could affect more lower-income households. 'Ahead of the MPs debate on VAT rates set to take place on Friday, we urge the government to take this opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to fairness and climate action by supporting this bill and ensuring public charging is not only reliable and widespread but also equitable for all.'
