According to several Chinese media outlets, Mercedes will use batteries produced by BYD for its next generation of electric vehicles, which will start with the new electric CLA scheduled for next year. The car, presented a few days ago at the Munich Motor Show in the form of a concept, will also be equipped with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries.

Mercedes is reportedly planning to use this type of battery for the “base” electric CLA, but has yet to announce an official supplier.

A key model for Mercedes

This rumor, if confirmed, could move BYD from third to second place in the ranking of battery suppliers for electric cars. Currently, the first step of the pedestal is occupied by CATL, the second by LG Energy Solution and the third by BYD.

The new CLA will be the first in a new family of compact electric cars from Mercedes. It will be based on the MMA platform, a platform with an 800-volt architecture that was originally developed as a platform for electric vehicles, even if it is a multi-energy structure, meaning it will also be able to accommodate hybrid and thermal engines.

Battery accepted by other manufacturers

Back to batteries, BYD should supply Mercedes with its Blade battery with LFP chemistry. This is one of the most interesting lithium iron phosphate batteries available on the market.

It has cell-to-pack technology with very elongated cells (hence the name “blade”, which means “blade” in English). This battery does not require a module, which makes it possible to obtain an energy density, as a rule, higher than average.

This battery is used in a number of electric vehicles that BYD manufactures but also sells to other manufacturers. Among the cars that are equipped with the “Blade battery” we find Tesla, the entry-level models Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, as well as the Toyota bZ3 and the upcoming Kia EV5 SUV.

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