Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric
Charging cable
Charges about 50% faster on 22 kW public posts than a 7.4 kW cable.
Why this fits your CLA Electric+−
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has a Type 2 inlet and a three-phase 11kW onboard charger. The 22kW cable carries its full 11kW on three-phase chargers. A 7.4kW cable would cap it. On a single-phase home wallbox both cables charge at the same 7.4kW.
Specifications+−
Delivery & returns+−
Free tracked UK delivery on every order. Built to order in the UK and dispatched fast. 30-day no-fuss returns.
Note: 800V; early cars cannot use 400V-only DC chargers; 58kWh entry version later
How long does it take?
Charging
the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is a compact saloon launched in 2025 on an all-new 800V platform, designated C174. It is a genuine step forward for Mercedes in terms of charging technology: the 85kWh battery can accept DC at up to 320kW at a compatible charger, making motorway stops considerably shorter than earlier EV saloons. The car charges via a Type 2 inlet for AC and a CCS port for DC rapid sessions. When you connect at a home wallbox or a public AC point, the cable you bring is a Type 2 to Type 2 lead.
One important note specific to early CLA Electric models: the 800V architecture means some early vehicles cannot use 400V-only DC chargers, so check compatibility with your regular rapid charging network before buying. For AC charging at home, the onboard charger accepts up to 11kW on three phases, the same figure as many mainstream EVs despite the car's premium positioning. AC is AC: a bigger cable cannot exceed the 11kW ceiling the onboard charger sets, and a single-phase home supply further limits you to 7.4kW. DC at 320kW uses the charger's own tethered cable, not one you purchase.
Estimates based on battery size and charge power. Rapid (DC) times are for a 10 to 80% charge, the way manufacturers quote them. Real-world charging varies with temperature, battery state and the charger itself.
7.4 kW or 22 kW?
Which cable does
the CLA Electric need?
Despite the CLA Electric's headline 320kW DC capability, its AC charging rate is a conventional 11kW on three phases: the same as a Renault 5 or a Citroen hatchback. For home charging on a standard UK single-phase supply, 7.4kW is the ceiling regardless of cable, and a 7.4kW Type 2 cable covers that fully. At 7.4kW the 85kWh battery takes a long time from empty, so setting a charge schedule overnight is the practical approach rather than charging from empty regularly.
A 22kW cable becomes useful if you have a three-phase home supply or you park regularly at 22kW public AC chargers, where the CLA Electric will draw its full 11kW and reduce charge time meaningfully. On a single-phase supply the two cable ratings behave identically. Given how capable the CLA Electric is at DC rapid charging, many owners will find they rarely need AC charging above 7.4kW anyway: a quick motorway stop at a 320kW charger adds substantial range in minutes.
What does it cost to charge?
Charging the 85kWh battery from empty costs roughly £6 to £7 on an off-peak EV tariff of around 7.5p per kWh, and around £23 at a standard rate of roughly 27p per kWh. The CLA Electric's large pack means you will rarely charge from empty in practice, so top-up costs in day-to-day use are lower. Public DC charging at 320kW-capable chargers will be charged per kWh by the network, often 50p to 80p or more, so the speed advantage is valuable on long runs but expensive as a routine. Check current tariff rates before budgeting.
Also for your CLA Electric
Goes well with.
Plug & Cable Holder · Type 2
Wottz Plug and Cable Holder
Carry Bag
Wottz Carry Bag
Dust Cap · Type 2
Wottz Dust Cap
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric FAQs
Good
questions.
Still not sure? Our team will confirm the right cable for your vehicle.
Contact usWhat charging cable does the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric need?+−
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has a Type 2 inlet, so it needs a Type 2 to Type 2 cable for UK home and public charging. It charges on up to three-phase AC at up to 11kW.
Can the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric charge at 22kW?+−
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has a three-phase onboard charger, so with a 22kW cable and a three-phase supply it can charge at up to 11kW.
What length charging cable should I get?+−
5m suits most home and public charge points. Choose 7.5m or 10m if the charge point is far from your car's charging port or you park on the far side of a bay.
What cable does the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric need?+−
A Type 2 to Type 2 cable for home wallboxes and public AC points. The CLA Electric's onboard AC charger accepts up to 11kW on three phases. On a typical single-phase UK home supply a 7.4kW cable gives the full available speed. Choose a 22kW cable if you have a three-phase supply or use 22kW public AC chargers regularly.
Can the Mercedes CLA Electric charge at 22kW AC?+−
No. The onboard AC charger tops out at 11kW on three phases. A 22kW cable on a single-phase home supply still charges at 7.4kW, the same as a 7.4kW cable. At a 22kW public AC charger with the right cable, the car draws 11kW. The CLA Electric's standout speed advantage is on DC, where it can reach up to 320kW at a compatible charger.
How long does the Mercedes CLA Electric take to charge at home?+−
On a 7.4kW wallbox the 85kWh battery takes around 12 hours from empty, which suits overnight charging well if you set a schedule. In practice, starting from a typical daily state of charge the session is much shorter. Three-pin plug charging would take over 34 hours from empty and is only practical as an occasional backup.
What should I know about the CLA Electric's 800V charging?+−
The CLA Electric's 800V system enables very fast DC charging, up to 320kW at a compatible charger. Note that some early production cars cannot use 400V-only DC chargers, so verify compatibility with the public networks you rely on. DC charging always uses the charger's own tethered cable. The cable you buy is for AC charging at home and AC public points.