The Mercedes-Benz A250e Plug-In Hybrid Hatchback: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Mercedes-Benz A250e Hatchback PHEV

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Mercedes-Benz, simply known as Mercedes, is a leading global luxury automative manufacturer based in Germany. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart and is famed for its high quality passenger vehicles, to include the Mercedes-Maybach. However, the company is also a leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles, to include the plug-in Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the plug-in Mercedes eVito electric van.

Mercedes-Benz EQ is the sub-brand used by the company for its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The pure electric cars are branded as EQ, while the PHEVs are branded as EQ Power. The mild hybrid vehicles are branded as EQ Boost. The PHEV portfolio includes:

• Mercedes A-Class Hatchback PHEV
• Mercedes A-Class Saloon PHEV
• Mercedes B-Class Hatchback PHEV
• Mercedes E-Class Saloon PHEV
• Mercedes E-Class Estate PHEV
• Mercedes S-Class Saloon PHEV
• Mercedes CLA Coupé PHEV
• Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake PHEV
• Mercedes GLA SUV PHEV
• Mercedes GLC SUV PHEV
• Mercedes GLC Coupé PHEV
• Mercedes GLE SUV PHEV
• Mercedes GLE Coupé PHEV

The Mercedes-Benz A Class premium hatchback is currently in its fourth generation. It was first introduced in 1997. The fourth generation model was launched in 2018. The A Class also includes the A250e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant.

The A250e hatchback PHEV is a cheaper option compared to the line-up of other Mercedes plug-in hybrid models. For those seeking a premium badge, lower motoring costs and lower tailpipe emissions, the A Class hatchback PHEV is certainly a good entry-level option to consider. It is a very efficient smaller-sized PHEV.

The Mercedes-Benz PHEV has a 15.6 kWh onboard EV battery, which is an average EV battery size for PHEVs. The real-world electric range will be lower than the claimed 44 miles range (WLTP certified), and will depend on a number of factors, to include: driving profile, onboard services used, speed, weather, road conditions and more. Expect a real-world zero-tailpipe emission electric range closer to 38 miles. The EV also incorporates regenerative braking, that further improves the efficiency of the vehicle.

However, for most urban commutes, the EV range is more than sufficient and the EV can help save money and improve local air quality. Do keep in mind that most of our trips are short commutes: school-runs, grocery store, high street etc. Even for those of us travelling to work, the distance is usually short. Moreover, the EV can also be charged at work. So, bottom-line, the 38 miles – 44 miles is a useful and practical pure electric range.

Mercedes claims a fuel economy up to 282.5 mpg. Of course, similar to the real-world electric range, the real-world fuel economy will be impacted by a number of factors. Bottom-line, achieving anywhere close to the manufacturer claimed economy, the use of the pure electric mode on a regular basis, will be key. Having said that, the A250e plug-in hybrid will deliver a better fuel economy, compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant.

The Mercedes electric hatchback has a 7.4 kW onboard charger, capable of single-phase AC charging. Though the EV can be charged using a domestic 3-PIN socket, we at e-zoomed encourage using a dedicated home EV charger like Easee. A 7 kW EV charger will charge the EV from 10% to 100% in under 3 hours. The electric car is not capable of fast DC charging.

From a practical point of view, we recommend a ‘topping-up’ approach to EV charging. This way the EV battery is never fully depleted and charging times are shorter. Moreover a topping up approach is also better for the long-term health and maintenance of the EV battery. Mercedes offers a 6 years or 62,000 miles warranty.

The front-wheel drive Mercedes A 250e plug-in hybrid combines a 1.3-litre (4-cylinder) petrol engine with a 75 kW electric motor. The performance of the electric car is appropriate for both city and highway driving. Given the electric motor, the EV also benefits from instant torque (450 Nm). The PHEV can achieve 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds (max power: 218 HP). The top speed of the EV is 146 mph. In electric mode, the top speed of the EV is 87 mph.

The electric vehicle is technology-laden and incorporates the standard Mercedes features, to include: Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, 10.25in touchscreen display, keyless-entry, ambient lighting in 64 colours and a lot more. The EV is practical, despite a slightly smaller boot space (310 l), compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant. Given the smaller size of the EV, it is well suited for city driving and parking!

The EV has claimed tailpipe emissions up to 23g CO2/km. Again, substantially lower than the emissions of the conventional petrol variant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Mercedes-Benz electric car is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
An efficient EV. Claimed fuel economy up to 282.5 mpg	Cheaper PHEV hatchback alternatives
Good EV range (44 miles)	Smaller boot space compared to rivals (310)
Low tailpipe emissions (23g CO2/km)	More practical alternative PHEV hatchbacks available

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The Mercedes-Benz A250e Hatchback PHEV (credit: Mercedes)

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Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is cheaper than driving a petrol or diesel vehicle. As an example, in India, filling a full tank of fuel for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Tata Nexon SUV will cost up to Rs 5,000 (assuming an average cost per litre of Rs 100. The Tata Nexon has a fuel tank capacity of 44 L).

In comparison, the Tata Nexon Pure Electric SUV will cost less than Rs 300 for a full EV battery charge (EV Battery size: 30.2 kWh). In India, the average cost for residential electricity is between Rs 5 to Rs 10 per kWh(unit). Therefore the cost to drive per km (or mile) in a pure electric vehicle is substantially lower than a petrol or diesel vehicle.

At an average one can expect a cost per km of Rs 1 for a zero-emission EV, while for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle, the cost per km could be up to Rs 7 per km. The annual cost savings achieved by switching to electric driving is significant!

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	Hatchback
Engine:	Petrol-Electric
Available In India:	No

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Variants (4 Options)
A250e AMG Line Edition
A250e AMG Line Executive Edition
A250e AMG Line Premium Edition
A250e AMG Line Premium Plus Edition

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 15.6 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 3 hrs)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	23g (CO2/km)
Warranty:	6 years or 62,000 miles

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1452
Width (mm):	1992
Length (mm):	4419
Wheelbase (mm):	2729
Turning Circle (m):	11
Boot capacity (L):	310

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Mercedes-Benz A250e
EV Battery Capacity:	15.6 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	44 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	15.2
Fuel Consumption (MPG):	282.5
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 3 hrs)
Top Speed:	146 mph (electric: 87 mph)
0-62 mph:	6.6 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	75 kW
Max Power (hp):	218 (system output)
Torque (Nm):	450 (system output)
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	1,680
Colours:	7

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Air Quality: The Basics

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It does not matter where in India one lives, no one can escape the increased level of air pollution engulfing our villages, towns and cities, across the country. However, this is not unique to India.

Air pollution has been documented globally as one of the key issues in increased mortality rates, in particular, for those that are most vulnerable: the children and the aged. Increased air pollution has been linked to increases in premature deaths, higher rates of cancer, heart attacks, stroke and lung diseases.   

In India, air quality worsens closer to more densely populated urban centres, the 1st, 2^nd and 3^rd tier cities. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru are just some of the examples of cities with dangerous levels of toxic air pollution or poor air quality. In fact, air pollution levels have been so high in India in the recent years, that it has captured the attention of the world media. 

Many factors affect the level of air pollution, but one that is significant, is the pollution released from road transportation, commonly referred to as ‘emissions’ or tailpipe emissions. For the majority of the globe, to include, India, emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles contribute more than 30% to air pollution. This is an average, and certainly, in more populated cities like Delhi and Mumbai, the level of toxic contribution from vehicle exhausts will be even higher. The other major contributor to air pollution is energy production and consumptions (fossil fuels).  

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So, what is air pollution?

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• Air pollution is the release of pollutants in our atmosphere that have a negative impact on the health of individuals and the environment as a whole. 

• The majority of pollutants are invisible. The are minutely small particles (finely divided solids) or gases that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These extremely small solid or liquid particles are also called particulates. Examples are: fumes, smoke, dust and soot. The majority of these particulates are less than 10 micrometres.    

• Air pollution can affect the environment both outdoors and indoors. There are a number of different types of pollutants, but the most well known are particulate matter, carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.  

• Both carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NO2), contribute to smog formation, very common in the winter months. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) contributes to haze and also acid rain formation. Particulate matters also contributes to haze and acid rain. All the above negatively impact health by increasing irritation of breathing passages, aggravation of asthma and irregular heartbeat. 

• Pollutants like carbon dioxide have a far reaching consequence on our lives. It is not only air pollution that it impacts, but as being a major source of greenhouse gas, CO2 has a long-term and detrimental impact on our environment and ecosystem. More commonly refereed to as ‘climate change’.

• Most of us know in India are familiar with PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter). These are tiny particles or droplets that are two and one half microns or less in width. A micron is a unit of measurement of length equal to one millionth of a metre. An increase in levels of PM 2.5 concentrations result in an increase in unhealthy air quality, haze etc. Vehicle exhausts are a major contributor to higher levels of PM 2.5 in the air.    

• Though measures like reducing traffic (odd-even system in Delhi), wearing air masks etc. can help reduce the impact of pollution, the reduction is not far-reaching. Zero-emission road transportation i.e. electric cars, are a panacea for a sustained and comprehensive improvement in air quality. The sooner, we in India, migrate to electric vehicles, the sooner can we start to improve our local air quality.  

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