The new entry-level electric Mercedes-Benz was spotted testing ahead of its world debut next month. From what the images show, the new CLA-sized EV draws inspiration from the gas-powered model.
Mercedes-Benz will preview its next-generation EV models at the upcoming IAA Mobility in Munich starting September 5.
According to the automaker, the highlight of this year’s show will be Mercedes’ entry-level segment. The event will be the first time fans can access the Mercedes electric lineup, current and future EVs.
Visitors will have the chance to see the new EQA electric SUV, EQB, and EQV electric minivan, in addition to the VISION EQXX and Vision One-Eleven. In addition, Mercedes will showcase its charging ecosystem with its latest public and home charging solutions.
However, the new Mercedes-Benz entry-level EV is expected to attract the crowd with expectations it will draw inspiration from the gas-powered CLA.
The new electric model is poised to compete against the Tesla Model 3 as the automaker’s most affordable EV, with an expected 400 miles of range and a tech-oriented interior.
Entry-level Mercedes-Benz EV spotted testing (Source: Auto Express)
Mercedes-Benz entry-level CLA EV spotted testing
With its debut approaching, the Mercedes-Benz entry-level EV was spotted testing (via Auto Express) as the automaker finalizes development. And it looks a lot like the gas-powered CLA.
Entry-level Mercedes-Benz EV spotted testing (Source: Auto Express)
Although the electric model is still heavily camouflaged, there’s no denying that the shape and design resemble the gas-powered CLA model.
Unlike other test cars spotted, the model features pop-out door handles. It also features a closed-off grille, distinct character lines (from what’s shown), and a small lip spoiler.
Entry-level Mercedes-Benz EV spotted testing (Source: Auto Express)
In its final production form, the new entry-level EV is expected to pull inspiration from the CLA’s elegant, sporty design and advanced tech features.
Mercedes said the model will represent its “vision for class-leading innovation, design, and digital experience.” That being said, it will signify the introduction of a new platform and infotainment system. It’s also expected to include tech from the Vision EQXX concept to optimize efficiency.
Entry-level Mercedes-Benz EV spotted testing (Source: Auto Express)
The automaker’s chief tech officer, Markus Schäfer, told Auto Express that the battery, electric motor, and other components of the VISSION EQXXs inverter, in addition to some “bionic engineering” cast-metal parts, will be featured in future production cars.
Mercedes entry-level electric vehicle concept (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
Although it was initially expected to be called EQA, Mercedes is reportedly dropping its EQ naming system as it moves toward an all-electric range. In addition, sources told Automotive News earlier this year there’s an electric CLA sedan and electric GLC crossover on the way, further indication a new naming system is in the works.
The new electric model is designed to boost profit margins rather than focusing on volume (despite its designation as entry-level), as Mercedes emphasizes higher-margin luxury cars. Mercedes sold 2,521 CLA vehicles in Q2 in the US, up 30% YOY.
Meanwhile, Mercedes EV sales grew over 600% in the US during the second quarter, reaching 15% of its total sales shares.
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Greenlane, which provides public charging infrastructure for electric trucks, just rolled out a new dealer program called “Charge On Us,” which offers $500 in charging credits and six months of free Greenlane Edge subscription access with every qualifying electric truck purchase. The offer applies across light-, medium-, and heavy-duty models. Velocity Truck Centers, one of North America’s largest commercial truck dealers with 65 locations across the US, is the first partner to sign on.
Scott Zeppenfeldt, COO of Velocity, said charging is the biggest unknown for customers considering the switch. “Where to charge, how to support it, and how to pay for it all” often stops fleets from moving forward, he explained. “Greenlane’s ‘Charge On Us’ program removes those hurdles by letting our customers rely on public infrastructure instead of investing time and money in their own charging setup. We’re excited to run pilot programs out of their flagship Colton facility and utilize other sites on their network. This gives us a real-world proving ground to show customers how straightforward electric can be when the charging piece is handled.”
For dealers, the program comes with sales support, marketing resources, and customer service, plus access to Greenlane’s growing public charging network. Dealers also get subscriptions to the network, which makes it easier to run pilots at Greenlane facilities and test the experience with customers. The Greenlane Edge subscription unlocks discounted charging rates, advanced reservation tools, and billing software that can lower the total cost of ownership and streamline freight operations. Fleets also gain access to real-time charging data, route planning support, and consolidated billing.
“As more heavy-duty fleets shift to electric, we need to address the real concerns holding them back: where to charge, cost, and how to deploy charging infrastructure day one,” said Patrick Macdonald-King, CEO of Greenlane. “Our program tackles these issues by providing immediate charging credits, access to high-speed chargers, and our technology ecosystem that delivers a seamless charging solution. Partnering with Velocity helps us scale that impact and make electrification easier for more companies by lowering the cost of entry and complexity of procuring power and deploying infrastructure.”
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Greenlane opened its flagship charging center in Colton, California, in April. The site features over 40 high-speed chargers, including 12 pull-through and 29 bobtail lanes built for medium- and heavy-duty EVs. It also offers driver-friendly amenities like restrooms, wifi, carports, and 24/7 security, plus extras such as office space and parking. The Colton facility sits at the junction of I-215 and I-10 and anchors Greenlane’s I-15 charging corridor linking Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It’s also part of the I-10 corridor, with new sites on the way in Blythe, California, and Greater Phoenix.
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The Jeep Gladiator 4xe is dead before arrival. Jeep’s plug-in pickup was expected to arrive as a sibling to the Wrangler PHEV, but that will no longer be the case.
Why did Jeep cancel the Gladiator 4xe?
Jeep’s plug-in hybrid pickup was set to arrive this year. As a midsize pickup and one of the best-selling Jeep vehicles in the US, the Gladiator is a perfect fit for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, right?
It seemed like it, but Jeep maker Stellantis disagrees. According to a report from Automotive News, Stellantis told its suppliers that it’s no longer planning to launch the Gladiator 4xe.
The Gladiator PHEV is the latest vehicle that Stellantis has canceled as it reassesses its product lineup in the US.
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A company spokesperson confirmed the decision with Car and Driver, saying, “As customers’ propulsion preferences for battery-electric trucks continue to evolve, Stellantis is reassessing its product strategy and will no longer include an electrified Gladiator variant in the Jeep lineup.”
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator Willys (Source: Stellantis)
The spokesperson added that Jeep has “already begun reinvesting funding to ensure the long-term growth of the Jeep Gladiator and will introduce even more customer-requested factory features, customization, and additional powertrain options in the near future.”
Does that mean an “electrified” option is still in the pipeline? It could. Earlier this month, Stellantis canceled Ram’s all-electric pickup, the Ram 1500 REV. It also dropped the base R/T trim from the Dodge Charger EV.
The Ramcharger, a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), will instead take its spot and name (Ram 1500 REV). With the plug-in hybrid Gladiator 4xe canceled, Jeep’s Gladiator could be next in line for an REEV powertrain option.
Until then, Jeep still offers plug-in hybrid Wrangler and Grand Cherokee models, which were the top two best-selling PHEVs in the US in the first half of 2025.
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XCharge North America (NA) and Ascentium Capital have launched a new leasing program to help small-business owners host DC fast chargers without having to front huge amounts of cash or rely on government incentives.
Businesses can lease XCharge NA’s DC fast chargers – up to 400kW – for an affordable monthly rate. That way, they can tap into the US public DC fast-charging market, which is expected to grow at a 14% compound annual rate through 2040 and generate $3.3 billion in annual market value, without paying steep upfront costs. Unlike charging-as-a-service models, where operators earn a percentage of the revenue, lessees in this program can earn the full charging revenue.
The program is modeled after a financing structure used in the auto industry. It bundles installation, equipment, warranties, and maintenance into a single package to simplify things for business owners. XCharge NA says its GridLink and C6 chargers can also be installed faster than typical fast chargers, and the equipment can be moved to different sites if needed. Because the chargers integrate with existing infrastructure, businesses don’t need to worry about major grid upgrades or transformer installations.
“At our core, XCharge NA has always been focused on making EV charging more accessible for businesses of all sizes – from high-traffic airports to small-business owners,” said Aatish Patel, co-founder and president of XCharge NA. “Our new financing model was designed to mitigate risk for individuals looking to get into EV charging without significant upfront [capital expenditure].”
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Patel added that working with Ascentium brought the financial expertise needed to make the program possible. Stephen Interlicchio, senior vice president of strategic services for Ascentium, said, “This type of flexible capital option is exactly what the industry needs now, especially to empower small businesses and real estate owners that don’t have the ability to pay significant costs up front but are committed to participating in the EV transition.”
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