One year ago, our family made the leap into electric vehicle ownership with a 2014 Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive. Having now spent a significant amount of time behind the wheel, it’s time for a detailed review, expanding on our initial impressions. Our decision to go electric came from a desire to blend luxury with sustainability, a choice that ultimately led us to the Mercedes B-Class Electric, after considering options like the BMW i3 and even contemplating the Tesla Model S. The B-Class stood out as a practical, family-friendly EV that didn’t scream “electric car,” a key factor for my wife, along with the essential fifth seat and traditional door configuration, unlike the i3’s rear-hinged doors.
A year and approximately 9,700 miles later, our initial positive impressions have only solidified. The Mercedes B-Class Electric has seamlessly integrated into our family life, proving to be a versatile and enjoyable vehicle without significantly altering our lifestyle. For the majority of the year, we maintained a two-car household with a Prius for longer journeys. However, our confidence in electric vehicles grew, leading us to replace the Prius with a Nissan Leaf, effectively doubling down on our commitment to electric driving.
Electric Mercedes B Class: A Year in Numbers
Over the past year, our electric Mercedes B-Class has delivered some impressive results:
- 9,500 Electric Miles Driven: Almost ten thousand miles powered purely by electricity, showcasing the practicality of EV ownership for daily driving.
- $1,155 Fuel Savings: A tangible financial benefit, highlighting the significant cost savings compared to gasoline vehicles. This figure underscores the economic advantages of switching to electric.
- 3,441 kWh of Solar-Powered Electricity Used: We’ve leveraged our home solar panels to power a substantial portion of our driving, further reducing our carbon footprint and energy costs.
- 485 Gallons of Gasoline Not Burned: A stark reminder of the environmental impact avoided by choosing electric. This equates to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
- 50 Fewer Trips to Gas Stations: Beyond the financial savings, the convenience of home charging and the elimination of frequent gas station visits have been a welcome lifestyle improvement.
This chart visually represents the financial and environmental savings accumulated over a year of driving the electric Mercedes B-Class.
Charging the Electric Mercedes B Class: Home and Public
Our charging routine is primarily based at home using the standard 110-volt charger included with the Mercedes B-Class Electric. This setup comfortably meets our daily driving needs, as most of our journeys are local. While we invested in a Level 2 charger to potentially speed up charging times, it necessitates an electrical panel upgrade that hasn’t been essential yet. The overnight 110-volt charging consistently replenishes the battery for our daily commutes and errands.
Occasionally, we utilize public charging stations in our area, not always out of necessity, but to actively support and signal the demand for public EV charging infrastructure. This proactive approach helps ensure the continued availability and expansion of charging options for electric vehicle owners in our community.
The charging port of the 2014 Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive, illustrating the standard charging interface for this model. Image Credit: Kyle Field | CleanTechnica
The Electric Driving Experience: Performance and Luxury
The driving experience in the electric Mercedes B-Class is genuinely remarkable. The instant torque delivered by the Tesla-engineered drivetrain provides exhilarating acceleration, making it surprisingly more engaging to drive than our previous BMW convertible. Furthermore, the near-silent electric motor, combined with Mercedes-Benz’s renowned cabin insulation, creates an exceptionally quiet and refined ride. The sensation is less like driving and more akin to gliding or floating, offering a premium and serene driving experience. In terms of value, the Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive delivers a compelling package, offering a taste of luxury car ownership coupled with a high-performance electric powertrain.
Home solar panels, highlighting the sustainable energy source used to power the electric Mercedes B-Class, showcasing eco-friendly vehicle charging. Image Credit: Kyle Field | CleanTechnica
Drawbacks: Efficiency and Charging Limitations
Despite the numerous positives, there are a couple of areas where the Mercedes B-Class Electric could be improved. Firstly, its efficiency is not class-leading, achieving around 2.8 miles per kWh, or 79 MPGe. This figure is lower compared to many other EVs, which typically exceed 100 MPGe. The consequence of this lower efficiency is twofold: reduced range per charge and a slower effective charging rate. While not a daily concern for home charging, it becomes noticeable when using public chargers and on longer trips.
For instance, a day trip to Santa Monica, approximately 60 miles from our home, required a recharge before returning. To add the necessary 45 miles of range at a standard Level 2 charging rate (6.6 kW/h), the Mercedes B-Class Electric takes considerably longer due to its efficiency. It adds roughly 18.5 miles of range per hour (6.6 kW/h 2.8 mi/kWh), resulting in a charging time of about 2.4 hours for 45 miles. In contrast, a more efficient EV like the Nissan Leaf adds approximately 28.4 miles per hour at the same charging rate (6.6 kW/h 4.3 mi/kWh), reducing the charging time to just 1.6 hours for the same 45 miles of range. This 50% difference in charging time can be a significant factor on longer journeys.
Front view of the 2014 Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive, demonstrating its sleek design and electric vehicle aesthetics. Image Credit: Kyle Field | CleanTechnica
Secondly, the lack of DC fast charging capability is a notable omission. While most of our charging occurs overnight at home, the absence of fast charging is a limitation. Although technically capable, this generation of the B-Class Electric does not include a DC fast charging port. Mercedes-Benz cited aesthetic preference for maintaining the standard fuel door location as the reason, prioritizing design over the enhanced functionality of rapid charging. While not a deal-breaker for everyday use, having access to DC fast charging, which can replenish up to 80% of the battery in around 30 minutes, would significantly improve the car’s versatility for longer trips, a feature we appreciate in our Nissan Leaf.
Final Thoughts on the Electric Mercedes B Class
Perhaps the most telling indication of our satisfaction with the Mercedes B-Class Electric is our decision to acquire a second electric vehicle. Trading in our Prius for a Nissan Leaf demonstrates our deepened commitment to electric mobility. While the Leaf offers benefits like quicker charging and DC fast charging, addressing some limitations of the B-Class, the Mercedes-Benz has proven to be a thoroughly enjoyable and practical EV for our family. The combination of driving pleasure, cost savings, and the environmental benefits of electric driving, especially when powered by solar energy, make the Mercedes B-Class Electric a compelling choice for those considering their first or next electric car.
A Nissan Leaf electric vehicle powered by solar energy, representing the broader adoption of EVs and sustainable energy solutions for transportation. Image Credit: Kyle Field | CleanTechnica
