Mercedes’ new GLA EV leaks a day ahead of its official debut

This one's about a new car, not a home energy upgrade, so it's a bit outside what Retrofit Relay usually covers. But here's what's happening: Mercedes-Benz is about to unveil an electric version of its GLA, its smallest and most affordable SUV. A leaked photo showed up online a day before the official reveal, and it's expected to be close to the real thing.

The new GLA Electric will share its underlying platform with Mercedes' CLA electric car, using an 800-volt electrical system and an 85 kWh battery. That combination should allow for fast charging and a driving range that may reach around 400 miles on the European test standard. The interior is expected to carry over features from the CLA, including large digital screens and a new software system built with AI from Microsoft and Google. Two versions are expected: a rear-wheel-drive model and an all-wheel-drive model with more horsepower and torque.

If you're weighing a home charger purchase or thinking about how an EV might fit into your household's energy plans, this is a preview worth knowing about, since Mercedes is expected to share full details at the vehicle's debut. But there's no pricing, release date, or charging-equipment guidance yet. If you're not in the market for a new electric SUV, this news doesn't affect anything at home right now.