Launch Of EQA 250 Kicks Off Mercedes-Benz Malaysia EV And Sustainability Initiatives

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the all-electric EQ 250, effectively kicking off its local EV and sustainability strategy. MBM will also strengthen its partnership with PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) to further enhance its comprehensive EV infrastructure plans to cater to the demands and needs towards Future Mobility. Last November, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia had signed an MoU with PDB to install 5 high-speed chargers, branded “ENERGISE by PETRONAS”, along the North-South Expressway and part of the East Coast Expressway as the first step to enhancing and encouraging EV adoption in Malaysia.

MBM also plans to install 13 new DC fast chargers in strategic dealer locations nationwide this year. These chargers will be available for use by EQ customers at no cost until the end of 2023.

“Starting with the introduction of the EQA, we are committed towards our claim to Lead in Electric with a holistic well-rounded approach towards a sustainable tomorrow. As we gear up to implement our EV readiness and sustainability efforts, it is our top priority to kickstart this journey towards an electric future by working with the right partners to achieve future mobility. Through our continuous partnership with Petronas and our CSR outreach programmes, education will play a vital role in making this future a reality,” said Ms Sagree Sardien, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Globally, the luxury marque has plans to go all-electric by 2030 where market conditions allow.

Azrul Osman Rani, PDB Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer said, “Sustainability is at the core of everything that we do, and we are excited to extend our expertise with our long-standing partner, Mercedes-Benz to build a holistic EV infrastructure in Malaysia. Both brands have a shared vision and capabilities that will complement one another in materialising future mobility in Malaysia. Through this partnership, fast chargers will be available at strategic locations leveraging our wide network of PETRONAS stations, thus enhancing customer confidence in the adoption of EVs in Malaysia.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA is an entry level model to the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQ world. Offered here in a single variant i.e. EQA 250, this compact SUV has a combined electric consumption of 17.6 kWh/100km and total range of 429 kilometres according to WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure).

“We are excited to kick off our EV offensive with the introduction of the EQA, which is the entry-level model to the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ. Packed with seamless connectivity, clear design, and advanced technology, the EQA is progressive and intuitive and offers customers electrification in the compact segment. The EQA is an important vehicle, both globally and locally as we embark on our journey towards an all-electric future,” said Michael Jopp, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

The EQA is fitted with a lithium-ion battery with a high energy density. The powerful high-voltage battery has a maximum voltage of 420 V and a nominal capacity of 190 Ah, giving it an energy content of 66.5 kWh. It sits underneath the passenger compartment in the middle of the vehicle to aid weight distribution. However, the lowest point of the vehicle is the lower edge of the side skirts so the EQA has more than 200 mm of ground clearance, which puts the battery bank sufficiently off the ground.

Furthermore, the battery features a “double-decker” design, making it another example of the intelligent use of space: The “nose” of the battery, which accommodates the battery management system, is situated towards the front, behind the centre console. An aluminium housing as well as the body structure of the vehicle itself protect the components from potentially touching the ground and against loose chippings. The battery housing is part of the vehicle structure and an integral part of the crash concept. Thus it is structurally protected from damage.

Additional safety for the battery comes in the form of automatic deactivation in a crash, reversibly or irreversibly depending on the accident severity. Another feature of this comprehensive safety concept is that the charging process is automatically curtailed if an impact is detected when the car is stationary at a rapid-charging station (DC charging). In addition to this independently functioning monitoring system, the EQA is fitted with a special disconnection point which can be used by rescue services to switch off the high-voltage system.

The battery is also part of the intelligent thermal management system of the EQA. To ensure that it is always kept within the optimum temperature range, it can be cooled or heated as required via a coolant-fed plate underneath the battery. The standard heat pump also forms part of the sophisticated thermal management system. With its numerous innovative details, such as the reuse of the waste heat from the electric drive system, the system is configured for exceptional efficiency and thus maximum range. It is also possible to set the pre-entry climate control for the interior of the EQA before starting. This function is controlled directly from the MBUX infotainment system or via the Mercedes me App.

The battery provides the power to the motor which is capable of 190 hp (140 kW) and 370 Nm. This is enough to take the 2,040 kg EQA 250 from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 160 km/h.

At home or at public charging points, the on-board charger provides a convenient way of charging the EQA with up to 11 kW using alternating current (AC), though it will always be faster if you have access to a direct current (DC) charger. With AC charging (at 11 kW), it will take about 5 hours 45 minutes to get to 100% SoC (state of charge) from 10%. In contrast, it only takes 32 minutes to go from 10% to 80% SoC with a DC charger (100 kW).

For the driver, the Mercedes-EQ tile in the media display can be used to call up menus relating to charging options, electrical consumption and energy flow. The right-hand display within the instrument cluster is a wattmeter, in place of a tachometer. The upper section shows the percentage of power used, the lower section the recuperation. The left-hand instrument can be used to show whether your destination can be reached without an interim charging stop. The colours of the display will change according to the driving situation. During a boost process, for example, the display changes to white.

The EQA has a Cd value (coefficient of drag) of 0.28 for better efficiency. Among the most important aerodynamic measures are the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section, the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons, a very smooth, almost completely enclosed underbody, specially optimised Aero wheels and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.

Passive safety is also a priority for the EQA. Unique to EQ, the vehicle features Acoustic ambient protection alert pedestrians and cyclists when driving virtually silently. The acoustic presence indicator generates specific Mercedes-Benz sounds outside of the vehicle up to a speed of 20 km/h. As part of this it differentiates between driving forwards and reversing.

The comprehensive standard specification of the EQA includes features such as LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the EASY-PACK tailgate with electrically operated opening and closing, 19″ AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, ambient lighting with 64 colours, a double cup holder, luxury seats with 4-way adjustable lumbar support, a reversing camera, and a multi-function sports steering wheel in leather. The EQA 250 is personalised with designs from the AMG Line.

Utility value was one of the general focuses during development; the rear seat backrest is 40:20:40 split-folding.

The EQA comes equipped with fast charging cable for wallbox and public charging stations. You can also opt to book a wallbox installation service with the brand’s installation partner (EVC) upon purchase of the vehicle.

Additionally, EQ customers on-the-go will enjoy an exclusive 1-year subscription with JomCharge, where you will enjoy unlimited charging at 50% discount at all JomCharge charging stations (for the first 1,000 customers). The brand will also have 13 new DC fast chargers installed in strategic dealer locations this year where EQ customers can use at no cost until the end of 2023.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 has a retail price of RM278,201.25 (on the road without insurance, inclusive of tax incentive). It comes with the standard 4 years unlimited Mercedes-Benz Warranty. The high-voltage battery has a warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first. If you opt to have the wallbox installed, you will have 2 years warranty by the manufacturer on it.