Mercedes-Benz's electric CLA will use BYD LFP cells

Chinese media have reported that BYD has been chosen by Mercedes-Benz to supply the battery cells for its new electric CLA, which will be launched next year. The German manufacturer presented a first prototype of this mid-size sedan just a few days ago during the IAA Mobility event in Munich.

The published reports also mention that the cells supplied by BYD will feature lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry . This statement aligns with what Mercedes-Benz itself said at the IAA Mobility event, when the company confirmed that at least the entry-level version of the production CLA electric would have a battery pack with LFP cells. However, at that time they did not specify the supplier.

The new electric CLA will debut Mercedes-Benz's MMA modular platform , developed on the basis of an 800V architecture for the brand's mid-size models. A key feature of the MMA platform is that it was optimized from the outset for use in electric vehicles, but it can also accommodate combustion engines.

Efficiency will be one of the hallmarks of the new electric CLA

As explained in Munich, the powertrain of the future electric CLA has been developed by Mercedes-Benz engineers, drawing on everything learned from the Vision EQXX concept . This has allowed the German manufacturer to promise an energy consumption of just 12 kWh per 100 kilometers for its future electric sedan , with a WLTP range that will likely exceed 750 km. However, we shouldn't expect this impressive range in the entry-level version, which is precisely the one that appears set to incorporate BYD's LFP cells.

Some Chinese media outlets are even more specific, claiming that Mercedes-Benz will use BYD's so-called Blade cells in the electric CLA . These cells, currently found in vehicles like the BYD Seal , are characterized by their elongated, blade-like shape, hence their name. They also allow for cell-to-pack technology , enabling direct installation in the battery pack without the need for individual modules. This optimizes space utilization and increases the energy capacity of the pack.