Mercedes-Benz Electric EQA Is Out Cold-Weather Testing

From Car and Driver

• The EQA concept vehicle, first unveiled in 2017 at the Frankfurt auto show, is close to production, as these cold-weather testing photos show.

• The EQA is expected to go into production before the end of 2020.

• Mercedes will also reveal at least two new models at the Geneva auto show with its third-generation hybrid powertrain.

The electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the EQA, is currently undergoing cold-weather testing ahead of the arrival of a production model sometime later this year. Mercedes-Benz's lineup for its electrified EQ family hits eight with the EQA, which was first presented as a concept in 2017 at the Frankfurt auto show. This is the first compact EV to come from the German automaker.

The importance of cold-weather testing on electric vehicles can’t be understated. An EV’s range takes a serious hit when the vehicle is operated during cold weather. Mercedes states that its engineers are "paying particular attention to the thermal management of the battery." If it can reduce some of the range reduction via these tests, it could be incredibly helpful to those who live in areas where freezing temperatures are a regular occurrence.

The automaker also announced that it will use the Geneva auto show in early March as a launch pad for its third-generation hybrid vehicles. The automaker is mum on how many electrified vehicles it'll present, but we know there will be at least two. The technology is already found in the GLC350e and A250e. Mercedes's commitment to electrification is written all over the side of this EQA: "Switch to EQ."

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