The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQA SUV: 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 All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQA SUV

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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 Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the 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 BEV portfolio includes:

• The all-electric EQC SUV
• The all-electric EQV MPV
• The all-electric EQA SUV
• The all-electric EQE SUV
• The all-electric EQS saloon
• The all-electric EQB SUV
• The all-electric EQE saloon
• The all-electric EQS SUV

The all-electric Mercedes EQA compact SUV is part of the Mercedes EQ electric mobility family. The electric EQA is closely related to the conventional Mercedes-Benz GLA vehicle. The EV is available as a front-wheel drive (FWD) and an all-wheel drive (AWD).

The EV is being built at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt factory, which has reduced its CO2 output by 58% between 2011-2019. The automotive company is committed to achieving ‘CO2 neutral’ for all its factories globally by 2022.

The EQA family EV is available in one EV battery size (66.5 kWh), with a WLTP emission-free electric range up to 529 km for the EQA 250+. The EQA 300 4MATIC and EQA 350 4MATIC four-wheel drive variants have a claimed e-range up to 430 km.

Of course, the real-world electric range will be lower that the quoted range, and impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving style, road conditions, weather, passenger load, regenerative braking profile etc. For the entry-level EQA 250+ expect a real-world EV range closer to 450 km and for the four-wheel drive variants, a 365 km range will be more realistic. In any case, the EV offers an electric range that is practical for most day-to-day city and motorway driving needs.

The electric EQA offers DC charging up to 100 kW DC. Not the fastest DC charging speed, nor the slowest. A mid-range DC charging speed, appropriate, given the mid-range size of the onboard EV battery, The pure electric SUV can be charged up to 80% in 35 minutes. Perfect amount of time for a coffee and a brief motorway break!

The manufacturer also offers a 3-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. However, as most homes in India are limited to single-phase power supply, taking advantage of the 11 kW charging speed will only be for those with access to 3-phase EV charging at home, workplace or a public charging station.

Using a dedicated three-phase (11 kW) EV charger, like the 22 kW easee EV charger, the EQA electric car can be fully charged in 6 hours and 30 minutes. Single-phase 7.4 kW charging will take longer (up to 10 hours). We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight at home, when the electricity tariff rates are cheaper.

We discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging an electric car. We also encourage charging on a regular basis. This way, there is always available ‘electric miles’ and regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Mercedes offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.

In terms of performance, the EQA electric does not disappoint. The front-wheel drive EQA 250 + can achieve 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds (max power: 190 hp/ torque: 385 Nm). The EQA 300 4MATIC can achieve 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds (max power: 228 hp/ torque: 390 Nm).

The top of the line, all-wheel drive EQA 350 4MATIC can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (max power: 228 hp/ torque: 520 Nm). The top speed of the e-SUV is 160 km/h. Of course, the EV also delivers instant torque.

The EQA is equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which can be controlled via voice, touch or gesture. The infotainment system can overtime predict personal habits using artificial intelligence (AI). The electric car is also equipped (like the case with other EQ models) with an external acoustic warning to alert pedestrians or cyclists at speeds under 30 km/h.

The EQA is well equipped with technology and safety features, to include: active lane keeping assist, active speed limit assist, KEYLESS-GO comfort package, Mercedes-Benz emergency call system, ambient lighting – 64 colours and more.

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Mercedes-Benz EQA SUV is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Luxurious and comfortable to drive	Available in only one EV battery size
Available as an all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive	DC charging only up to 100kW
11 kW on board charger as standard	Cargo volume not as large (340 L)

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The All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQA SUV (credit: Mercedes)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body Type:	SUV (Compact)
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
Mercedes-Benz EQA (Rs N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 66.5 kWh
Charging:	100 kW DC Rapid Charging. Onboard charger 11 kW AC
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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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):	1620
Width (mm):	2020
Length (mm):	4463
Wheelbase (mm):	2729
Turning Circle (m):	11.4
Boot Space (L)	340

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EQA 250 +
EV Battery Capacity:	66.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	498 – 529 km
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):	186 – 177
Charging:	100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 35 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-100%: 6 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	160 km/h
0-100 km/h:	8.6 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Max Power (hp):	190
Torque (Nm):	385
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	2,040
Colours:	10
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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EQA 300 4MATIC
EV Battery Capacity:	66.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	415 – 430 km
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):	184 – 178
Charging:	100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-100%: 5 hrs 45 mins)
Top Speed:	160 km/h
0-100 km/h:	7.7 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Max Power (hp):	228
Torque (Nm):	390
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	2,105
Colours:	10
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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EQA 350 4MATIC
EV Battery Capacity:	66.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	415 – 430 km
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):	184 – 178
Charging:	100 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (10%-100%: 5 hrs 45 mins)
Top Speed:	160 km/h
0-100 km/h:	6.0 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Max Power (hp):	228
Torque (Nm):	520
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	2,105
Colours:	10
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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India Electric Vehicle (EV) Market

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India, like many other countries, is well positioned to benefit from the shift to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Road transportation is a major contributor to air pollution (over 30%), choking our towns, cities and villages across India.

Diesel vehicles, in particular, diesel trucks and diesel buses, are significant sources for tailpipe emissions. But given the rise in the standard of living, since liberalisation, the demand for privately owned passenger cars has increased at an unprecedented pace, further worsening the air quality. India has more than 3 crores (30 million) cars releasing tailpipe emissions on its roads!

Though we have seen some improvements in air quality during the ongoing pandemic (as a result of lower vehicle traffic), India’s shift to electric driving will be key in achieving long-term higher air quality. Of course, apart from EVs, the continued development of green and renewable energy infrastructure will be key in achieving lower long-term air pollution.

India has already demonstrated global leadership in regards to large-scale solar and wind projects! Hopefully, India will replicate the success with zero-emission electric vehicles.

Despite recent announcements and support from local and national government agencies in India, the EV market is still at a nascent stage, well, at least in terms of electric cars and electric vans. Two-wheel electric scooters and three-wheel electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) have demonstrated a strong uptake, and India is poised to become a global leader in electric scooters and electric rickshaws (e-tuk).

In fact, the ubiquitous e-rickshaw commands an impressive 83% of the Indian electric vehicle market. India currently has over 15 lakhs (1.5 million) e-rickshaws, with each EV playing a role in reducing tailpipe emissions on our roads in India.

Sales of passenger electric cars is still at an early stage. In FY2021, though the market witnessed a growth of nearly 110% from the previous year, the absolute volume of cars sold was only 5,905 electric cars. Currently there are less that 15 pure electric car models available on sale in India.

Tata Motors, the biggest automotive manufacturer in India has launched the Tata Nexon electric SUV. Mahindra Electric, another leading Indian automotive manufacturer, has also launched a number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), to include, the Mahindra eVerito electric car, Mahindra eSupro electric van and Mahindra e2o Plus compact electric car. International manufacturers, like UK based MG Motors, have also launched the MG ZS electric SUV in India. Also available are the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV and the Hyundai Kona electric SUV.

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Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

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Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe. A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine.

With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety! Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres.

No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

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Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

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Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV. Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station).

In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars.

MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.

The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe. It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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