Experience Thus Dar

[user 688]

I've had the B-class for a couple of months now, and I am NOT happy. I am getting around 61-63 miles of range out of a full charge and that is under idealized conditions: no lights, no climate control, no passengers or payload, no traffic, gently rolling rural terrain, and a VERY light foot (hypermiling).

Had it put on the computer and they said that the battery is showing 28.8 kwh capacity. I should be getting FAR more range out of this than I am. I bought the car for a 50 miles round-trip commute, but I dare not attempt it with the car performing as it is. So far, the dealer has not offered to take it back. I am STILL waiting for MB to provision the 3g services, so I can't even use the APP.

Overall, a complete disaster. I own a $30,000 boat anchor.

 

[JeffRay]

Silverhorse,

I see you are the one who had issues from the get go, i.e. fully charged but not the next day. Maybe you do have a lemon, as it happens.

Temperature does have a big effect on mileage. If below 50, you will not get full range, figure a 30% reduction. For example, in an urban environment without the range extender, I get 35 miles when it is below 40 degrees and 65 miles when it is above 55 degrees. As you do have a garage, if the temperature drops below 55 overnight, several have suggested warming it up in the morning while it is plugged into your charger. Have not a clue how to do that without the app but check the manual.

Given what you are getting now and the 50 mile daily commute, you do have a 10 mile margin which is okay. I have posted several notes about getting over my range anxiety with more experience. Knowing when to plug in and whether you have enough juice to get to a known charging station is hyper important. Of course, no side jaunts. ABC, always be charging, my friend.

 

[wtzouris]

Yeah i've done my 58-63 mile round trip for 14 months now, over 14,500 miles driven. In winter I do a "range charge" because is adds an extra 5-7 miles of range 31.5kWh useable instead of 28 kWh. An extra 12% over the 100% charged. If you don;t have range option I am sorry. My worst numbers with range charge this winter are about 65 miles range. Without is would be 58 miles. I always use heat, often Sport mode on the way home. I go easy on the way to work, and "sprited driving" on the way home. IN warm weather the range is 90-105 miles all the time, with AC ON> Warm is about 70-75 degrees. If you get a 55-60 degree day in the summer with rain you get "winter range"

My overall advice:

I hope you have the range charge upgrade -- if you have it, use it in the Winter (press the button
on the dash before plugging in/charging - you get an extra 3.5 kWh useable)

Your dealer may not know much about the car and may not support it well so....

Get the latest firmware, then avoid the dealer.

Get your VVC code for the Verizon telematics to work with the app -- tell your dealer to call Mercedes CAC (Customer Assistance Center) in New Jersey

Ignore the Mercedes app (it looks pretty but works like sh*t) and use the EV Access app instead (new for iOS)

You will really like the car in the summer -- use AC (cooling) as much as you like

Cabin heating (and battery heating -- which is always active) is the biggest energy hog - you can't avoid bad range in winter because the battery uses energy to heat the battery. But L2 charging and pre-conditioning sets up the battery so it is not stone cold.

Garage the car in the winter and pre-condition (pre set departure time) at least 15 minutes in advance. That gives time to heat the cabin and the battery.

Use a good Level 2 (240 volt) charging system -- required for pre-conditioning. Anything from 30-40 Amp capable. I have a 16 Amp and a 40 Amp unit. It has to be 240 volts.

Always start your day at fully charged and ignore the remaining range meter (GOM - Guess O Meter) -- it's not that accurate until you've driven at least 25 miles. Reset your From Reset, From Start, and Trip Odometer. Pay attention to the From Start efficiency in mpkWh (Miles Per kiloWatt-Hour).

 

[Stretch2727]

I've had the B-class for a couple of months now, and I am NOT happy. I am getting around 61-63 miles of range out of a full charge and that is under idealized conditions: no lights, no climate control, no passengers or payload, no traffic, gently rolling rural terrain, and a VERY light foot (hypermiling).

Had it put on the computer and they said that the battery is showing 28.8 kwh capacity. I should be getting FAR more range out of this than I am. I bought the car for a 50 miles round-trip commute, but I dare not attempt it with the car performing as it is. So far, the dealer has not offered to take it back. I am STILL waiting for MB to provision the 3g services, so I can't even use the APP.

Overall, a complete disaster. I own a $30,000 boat anchor.

A few questions:

-Where are you located?
-Are you just looking at the Mileage meter (GOM) or are you actually only able to drive the car 60 miles?
-What is the readout for consumption in Miles/Kwh in you trip meter?

I have 3 electric cars and the MB has the best range. Unfortunately the readouts on the gauges are totally inaccurate. If you can give more information we can make sure you get the most out of your car. 50 miles round trip should be easy.....

 

[TheStig]

I'd say something isn't right with the car or you aren't resetting the GOM. In the trip computer, from reset, press ok to reset it. Full charge should read 82 or so miles, extended charge 94.

I drove something like 63 miles yesterday with my wife and kids in the car. Returned home showing 26 remaining in 35 degree weather.

These cars do NOT like cold weather, the efficiency drops like a stone. I was shocked couple weeks back how much more charge was used to get around with temps in the single digits. In cold temps the cabin heater draws big power and the car heats the battery pack. If you don't start you day with the car coming out of a somewhat warm a garage it will be worse. Never had an issue where we couldn't make a trip because of it but I can certainly see the difference in the electric bill in cold months.

 

[JeffRay]

Ah, I see this topic has flushed out the "usual suspects" (helpful I would say). From looking at Silverhorse's prior posts, I think they are in MD so susceptible to the cold weather hit.

Thanks everyone for posting helpful responses. It doesn't make the surprise any better but helps to inform if they have a lemon or not.

BTW, I am loving the warmer weather and new job location which is even closer to home and a free 110 outlet outside the entrance. I used 15% getting here this morning and expect to be at 100% when I leave. At that rate, will not have to plug in for full charge maybe till weekend.