From spring next year an all-electric version of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class will be available to buy for the very first time.
Working in collaboration with Telsa Motors, the new B-Class Electric Drive is the German firm’s first electric car and will also become one of the quickest in the range. The 177bhp electric motor offers maximum torque of 340Nm enabling the car to sprint from 0-62mph in a sprightly 7.9 seconds but with a top speed electronically limited to 100mph to help preserve range.
Expected to cost around £27,000 after the government plug-in grant, the new zero emission MPV is able to travel up to 124 miles on electric power alone and will be available in one highly-specified trim level with equipment based on the range-topping AMG Line.
Not only does the new car offer the potential to save money in personal mileage costs but because electric cars are emissions free it means only a 5 percent BIK tax band will be applicable for the 2015/16 tax year too meaning that monthly tax costs could be as low as £22.50.
There are three driving modes to choose from, E+ (Economy Plus), E (Economy) and S (Sport). The batteries are fitted under the rear seats which have been raised a fraction to accommodate them which means that unlike many other electric cars there is no sacrifice in boot space.
The car can be charged via a domestic power socket, wall box or public charging station with a full charge possible in three hours although it will take approximately nine hours to fully charge from a domestic socket. It is yet to be confirmed if fast charging facilities will be available on the B-Class Electric Drive however you can pay extra for a range extender which adds a further 18 miles to the car’s range.
To help distinguish the electric B-Class from the diesel and petrol models, the car has a range of additional styling features like unique 18-inch alloy wheels, blue wing mirror housings, some new instrument panels and a blue effect in the front headlamps and grille.
More details on the B-Class Electric Drive will be announced early in the new year.
