When Mercedes pulled the wraps off its new all-electric CLA, we expected slick styling, clever tech — and of course, the ability to charge just about anywhere. But one crucial piece of the puzzle was missing: a 400-volt DC converter. Without it, the sleek saloon couldn’t use the majority (around 14,000) of the UK’s rapid public chargers.
The good news? Mercedes has had a rethink. The 400-volt converter will be added, but not until spring 2026. And if you’ve already ordered? No retro-fit option is on the cards. According to the brand’s UK configurator, the update only applies to new orders from that point onward.
It’s still unclear whether this essential tech will come as standard or be added to the options list, something buyers will need to watch closely, especially as the CLA kicks off at a not-insignificant £40,421 for the entry-level 250+.
The CLA will be available as a hybrid (from 2026) or a pure electric car, with the EV launching first and riding on Mercedes’ bespoke 800-volt platform. That’s great news for ultra-fast charging on 800 volt units, but the UK infrastructure isn’t quite there yet. Most public chargers still run on 400 volts, meaning EVs with 800-volt systems need a built-in converter to work with them. It’s standard tech on rivals like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6, so its absence here raised eyebrows.
Interestingly, CLA models sold in Norway did launch with a 400-volt converter, suggesting Mercedes may have skipped it elsewhere for cost reasons. Officially, the brand has said that it is focusing on the future and anticipating a fast roll-out of 800-volt stations across Europe. While the UK is one of the biggest markets for EV adoption in Europe, the rapid charger network is overwhelmingly made up of 400 volt units.
For owners who do take the plunge with early models, the CLA’s sat-nav will at least guide drivers to compatible chargers, so they won’t be stranded. However, for drivers planning longer road trips, especially outside of cities, the scarcity of 800 volt chargers is likely to prove a problem in the short term.
