Mercedes CLA PHEV charging cable

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250e is a plug-in hybrid compact offered in two body styles: the four-door Coupé (C118) and the estate-format Shooting Brake (X118). Both share the same EQ Power drivetrain, pairing a turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor routed through an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox to the front wheels, with 450 Nm of torque and 0–100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. A 15.6 kWh lithium-ion battery (approximately 11.5 kWh usable) sits beneath the luggage compartment floor, delivering a WLTP electric range of up to 71 km (44 miles) for the Coupé and 68 km (42 miles) for the Shooting Brake. The CLA 250e was introduced in 2020 and received a significant facelift in 2023 that upgraded the electric motor from 75 kW to 80 kW and replaced the single-phase onboard charger with a new 11 kW three-phase unit. Pre-facelift models (2020–2023) carry a 7.4 kW single-phase onboard charger; post-facelift models (2023–present) accept 11 kW three-phase. The car also supports DC rapid charging at up to 24 kW via CCS2, allowing a 10–80% charge in around 25 minutes. The combined Type 2/CCS2 inlet is located on the right rear flank.

Wallbox charging

On pre-facelift models (7.4 kW single-phase), a full charge from near-empty takes approximately one hour 45 minutes at a compatible single-phase wallbox. Connecting to an 11 kW or 22 kW three-phase wallbox does not increase the rate: the onboard charger is single-phase and draws from one phase only.

On post-facelift models (11 kW three-phase), a full charge from near-empty takes approximately one hour 10 minutes at a compatible three-phase wallbox. On a single-phase home wallbox with a correctly rated cable, the same charge takes approximately one hour 45 minutes at 7.4 kW. A three-phase wallbox is needed to reach the full 11 kW rate.

Which cable to use

For pre-facelift models (7.4 kW single-phase): the car requires 32A on a single line to reach its full 7.4 kW rate. An 11 kW three-phase cable is not the correct match: its conductors are rated at 16A per phase, and on a single-phase supply it delivers only 16A × 230V = 3.7 kW, halving the charge rate. A Voldt® 7.4 kW single-phase cable or a 22 kW three-phase cable (rated at 32A per phase) is required to reach the full 7.4 kW.

For post-facelift models (11 kW three-phase): an 11 kW cable is the correct match at any three-phase wallbox or public AC post. On a single-phase home wallbox, the same bottleneck applies: an 11 kW cable restricts output to 3.7 kW. A 22 kW cable carries 32A per phase and delivers the full 7.4 kW from a single-phase supply. For owners with a single-phase home installation, a 22 kW cable is the practical choice across both generations, covering home and public scenarios without compromise.

Getting the reach right

The inlet is on the right rear flank, so reversing into a bay puts the port closest to the post in most configurations. A 6-metre cable is the practical choice for most home wallbox setups. For public charging, an 8-metre cable gives the flexibility to connect regardless of how the car is parked relative to the post.

Portable charging with a CEE charger

The Voldt® portable CEE charging cable can complete a full charge from industrial CEE sockets found at workshops, farm buildings, and commercial marinas. One point applies to both generations: when connected to a three-phase CEE socket, single-phase models draw from one phase only, and even three-phase post-facelift models will only draw as fast as their onboard charger ceiling allows.

On a 32A three-phase CEE socket (22 kW available): pre-facelift cars charge at 7.4 kW, completing a full charge in approximately one hour 45 minutes. Post-facelift cars charge at 11 kW, completing a full charge in approximately one hour 10 minutes. On a 16A three-phase CEE socket (nominally 11 kW): pre-facelift single-phase models draw from one phase at 16A = 3.7 kW; post-facelift three-phase models charge at 11 kW. On a 16A single-phase CEE socket (3.7 kW): both generations charge at 3.7 kW, completing a full charge in approximately three hours 25 minutes.

Red three-phase CEE sockets are found at industrial sites, workshops, and some commercial marinas. Standard European campsite hookup points use blue single-phase 16A CEE sockets, which cap output at 3.7 kW and result in the three-hour 25-minute charge time noted above. On a standard domestic socket at 2.3 kW, a full charge takes around five hours, making an overnight plug-in at home a practical everyday option for this battery size.

One standard across the entire range

Voldt® charging cables are CE, UKCA and TÜV certified and manufactured according to IATF 16949 automotive quality standards. Single-piece moulded connectors, no glue or screws. IP67-rated for operation between −30°C and +50°C. 100% copper conductors with silver-plated contacts. Tested beyond 10,000 connection cycles. Three-year warranty, 100-day returns, free shipping across Europe.