The Mercedes B-class Electric Drive entered our lives a year ago, and it’s been quite the journey. As someone passionate about cars and the shift towards electric vehicles, and writing for car detailing enthusiasts here at cardetailinguk.com, I wanted to share a comprehensive update after a full year of driving this electric Mercedes. Initially, the decision to purchase the B-Class Electric was a balance between wanting a touch of luxury and embracing the electric revolution. While the dream of a Tesla Model S danced in our minds, practicality and preferences led us to compare the Mercedes B-Class Electric with the BMW i3. Ultimately, the Mercedes won due to its more conventional car-like appearance, the inclusion of a fifth seat, and the more family-friendly door configuration compared to the i3’s rear-hinged doors.
After a year and approximately 9,700 miles on the odometer, our positive impressions of the Mercedes B-Class Electric remain strong. It seamlessly accommodates our family of five and has integrated into our lifestyle without significant adjustments. For the initial nine months, our household also included a Prius, which served as our go-to vehicle for longer journeys. However, our commitment to electric mobility deepened, and we traded the Prius for a Nissan Leaf with quick charging capabilities. This transition reflects our growing confidence in and reliance on electric vehicles for daily needs and beyond.
One Year in Numbers
Over the past year with our Mercedes B-Class Electric, the statistics speak volumes about the benefits of electric driving:
- We’ve covered 9,500 miles powered solely by electricity.
- Switching to electric has resulted in substantial savings, approximately £925 (based on currency conversion and average UK fuel prices relative to electricity costs) compared to equivalent petrol expenses.
- We’ve utilized an extra 3,441 kWh of solar energy to power our journeys, maximizing our green footprint.
- This electric mileage translates to avoiding the consumption of roughly 485 gallons of petrol.
- Saying goodbye to approximately 50 trips to petrol stations has been a welcome change.
Charging Habits and Infrastructure
Our primary charging location is at home, utilizing the standard 110-volt wall charger included with the Mercedes B-Class Electric. This setup effectively meets our daily needs, as most of our driving is local. While a Level 2 charger was purchased to potentially expedite charging, an electrical panel upgrade is required for full-time Level 2 utilization. However, the overnight charging with the 110-volt system consistently provides a full charge for daily use. We also occasionally utilize public charging stations, not just out of necessity, but also to support and demonstrate the demand for public EV charging infrastructure in our area.
The Joy of Driving Electric
The driving dynamics of the Mercedes B-Class Electric are genuinely exhilarating. The instant torque, courtesy of the Tesla-engineered drivetrain, makes it surprisingly fun to drive – even more so than our previous BMW convertible. Knowing that much of our driving is powered by solar energy adds an extra layer of satisfaction. Furthermore, the combination of the silent electric motor and the Mercedes’ inherent sound insulation creates an exceptionally quiet and smooth driving experience. It’s a sensation akin to gliding rather than traditional driving, enhancing the overall premium feel of the car. For the price point, the Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive delivers a compelling package, offering a taste of luxury combined with a high-quality electric powertrain.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the overall positive ownership experience, there are a couple of aspects where the Mercedes B-Class Electric falls slightly short. Firstly, efficiency isn’t its strongest suit. Achieving around 2.8 miles per kWh, or approximately 79 MPGe, it’s less efficient compared to many other electric vehicles that often exceed 100 MPGe. This lower efficiency translates to a shorter range per charge and, consequently, slower charging rates in terms of miles added per hour. While this is generally not an issue for home charging, it becomes more noticeable when relying on public charging infrastructure.
For instance, a trip to a destination roughly 60 miles away might leave us needing to add around 45 miles of range for the return journey. Using a standard Level 2 charger at 6.6 kW/h, the Mercedes B-Class Electric adds approximately 18.5 miles of range per hour (6.6 kW/h multiplied by 2.8 mi/kWh). In comparison, a more efficient EV like the Nissan Leaf could add around 28.4 miles of range per hour at the same charging rate (6.6 kW/h x 4.3 mi/kWh). This difference in efficiency results in a longer real-world charging time for the Mercedes – in this scenario, around 2.4 hours for the Mercedes versus 1.6 hours for the Leaf, representing a 50% increase in charging duration.
Secondly, the absence of DC fast charging is a notable omission. While most of our charging occurs overnight at home, the lack of fast charging capability is a limitation. While the technology is reportedly compatible with DC fast charging, Mercedes opted against including a fast charge port in this generation of the B-Class Electric, prioritizing the aesthetics of the vehicle’s rear design and the existing fuel door location over enhanced charging functionality. The ability to gain up to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes, a feature we appreciate in our Nissan Leaf, would have been a valuable addition to the Mercedes B-Class Electric, particularly for longer trips.
Final Verdict
Perhaps the most significant testament to our satisfaction with the Mercedes B-Class Electric is the decision to replace our Prius with a Nissan Leaf. This move solidified our commitment to electric vehicles. While ensuring the new EV had fast charging for longer journeys, we were already comfortable with the minor adjustments required for driving an electric car with a limited range. Overall, our year with the Mercedes B-Class Electric has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve enjoyed the driving experience, realized substantial cost savings, and, crucially, significantly reduced our reliance on petrol. For those considering a premium, family-friendly electric vehicle, the Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive remains a compelling option, blending Mercedes luxury with a capable electric powertrain.
