The compact MMA platform that will be available in 2024 is optimized for electric powertrains with internal combustion secondary.
Platform sharing can often require compromises. This is doubly true for EVs made from cars originally built for internal combustion engines. The range of older vehicles, such as the Fiat 500e, Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Honda Clarity EV, was less than 100 miles. This was not enough for EV enthusiasts or typical shoppers with their range anxiety.
We were therefore a little surprised when Christoph Starzynski (Mercedes-Benz vice president for development for electric drive) told us that the next-generation A-Class and B-Class compact cars would have both internal combustion as well as electric propulsion. The traditional engines will bear the brunt of this concession, not the EV engine. The BMW i4 and Kia Niro EV have all changed their minds. The A-Class’ so called MMA platform, which was originally designed for electric vehicles, will now be able to accept diesel and gas powertrains in the markets that require them.
Starzynski stated that the platform would be EV first but not EV exclusive, and that the compromise will be on the ICE side rather than the EV side The compact modular MMA platform, which will debut in 2024 under the next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, will be available before expanding to the CLA fastback sedan GLA and GLB compact SUVs, as well as the compact MPV B-Class. The MMA cars are available in EV form Learn many lessons From the Concept car EQXX It also features an air-cooled battery with unique anode chemical that increases power density. Active aerodynamics could also help make compact-car dreams a reality.
The specifications of the gasoline-powered A-Class and B-Class families remain a mystery. However, one reason they exist is to allow Mercedes-Benz to maintain a reasonable price of entry for its most affordable vehicles. For some time, its EVs are going to be more expensive that their gasoline-powered counterparts.
In an interview with motor1.com, Markus Schafer, Mercedes-Benz Chief Technology Officer, stated that “we will not achieve cost parity within the near future.” We will have to pay higher costs for an EV drivetrain over the next few years and have to compensate in the vehicle. We try to make compact cars as small as possible to offset the higher costs of EV technology.
Software development and battery manufacturing are two areas where Mercedes is looking to reduce costs. Mercedes’ next-generation infotainment platform, MB.OS, was developed in-house by software specialists at the Electric Software Hub in Sindelfingen. The Electric Software Hub employs 750 UX designers, engineers and programmers. It also manages the research and production for Mercedes’ EV propulsion systems and batteries.
While the automaker does work with Bosch and NVIDIA on the development of its infotainment system and EV systems it also works with Bosch and NVIDIA. However, Mercedes-Benz will keep most of the design and production in-house to save money and ensure that Mercedes-Benz has complete control over the end result. Schafer stated, “We want the ability to decide the future and products.” “We want products that are quick and have high maturity levels.
Within the next two-years, MB.OS will launch the electrified MMA platform for these compact cars. Possibly in time for the 2025 model-year, internal-combustion vehicles may follow shortly thereafter.