C350e anyone considering one?

[mrwalshy]

Yeah, I ordered the 8m one for household socket and stuck with the 4m one for public charging stations.
I've been looking at the home charging station options too. You can get 75% contribution towards the cost up to a maximum of £750. All the ones I've seen so far though have a cable attached to them. I'm concerned that someone will just come along and cut the cable for the copper and then it becomes useless. I don't particularly have anywhere to hide it on my house so it will be visible to people walking past. Anyone seen one where I'd just use the separate cable that comes with my car?

 

[350e]

Yeah, I ordered the 8m one for household socket and stuck with the 4m one for public charging stations.
I've been looking at the home charging station options too. You can get 75% contribution towards the cost up to a maximum of £750. All the ones I've seen so far though have a cable attached to them. I'm concerned that someone will just come along and cut the cable for the copper and then it becomes useless. I don't particularly have anywhere to hide it on my house so it will be visible to people walking past. Anyone seen one where I'd just use the separate cable that comes with my car?

Maybe a notice stating " Live cable, danger of death"

Have you considered asking your council to sign up to the "On street charging points" scheme?
My MP encouraged me to enlist the help of OLEV, who were very helpful, a number of councils have accommodated owners, and I have had an email from my Council telling me that they are considering my application. Have to say I am not optimistic about the outcome given the state of local council finances today

 

[kinaero]

Yeah, I ordered the 8m one for household socket and stuck with the 4m one for public charging stations.
I've been looking at the home charging station options too. You can get 75% contribution towards the cost up to a maximum of £750. All the ones I've seen so far though have a cable attached to them. I'm concerned that someone will just come along and cut the cable for the copper and then it becomes useless. I don't particularly have anywhere to hide it on my house so it will be visible to people walking past. Anyone seen one where I'd just use the separate cable that comes with my car?

Are you talking about the home charging wall box?
You can certainly opt for the ones without the cable(untethered),and use your own cable, all installers will have a choice of tethered or untethered units to choose from.

 

[mrwalshy]

Are you talking about the home charging wall box?
You can certainly opt for the ones without the cable(untethered),and use your own cable, all installers will have a choice of tethered or untethered units to choose from.

Fab, that looks perfect. I've got wait until 4 months prior to my expected delivery date before they will accept an application for one to be installed but that date is coming up at the end of this month.
I'll have a search for anywhere that might be going them for free. I'm with British Gas and heard they are installing them but also seen a couple of nightmare stories with them too.

 

[kinaero]

Fab, that looks perfect. I've got wait until 4 months prior to my expected delivery date before they will accept an application for one to be installed but that date is coming up at the end of this month.
I'll have a search for anywhere that might be going them for free. I'm with British Gas and heard they are installing them but also seen a couple of nightmare stories with them too.

The wall charger unit is ABL(also known as the Iron man charger ) very high quality Germen unit and small physical size which cost an extra £300, the installation was done by Phoenix works(very reputable installer)

Home - The Phoenix Works

 

[FM123]

Hi guys,

Sorry been away for work mainly this week so haven't had a chance to update.

Firstly the question of real world mpg is a difficult one. In my experience so far he longest journey I undertook was around 50 miles wth a full charge. The electric range will obviously differ depending on the type of journey u undertake but mine was around 3 mile urban and then a further 11 miles of sensible motorway driving. At the end of the journey I had averaged approx 57mpg. However as I said this is very dependent on ur style of driving and what u have on in the car. At times I can see the electric range drop drastically when I have the ac on etc.
In regards to my purchase, it was a private purchase with a Mercedes dealership on a lease deal and hence maybe why I got lucky to get one so early. As such I'm wasn't too bothered by the company car tax benefits but was more interested in the tech and saving I would make over the diesel. In my opinion for those buying car as a company car expect to average out around 40-45 mpg across a journey of around 100 miles or so. I would also highly recommend a home charging wall point for those that have the option as thus makes it really simple to plug in and charge and that way u will get the maximum benefit of the hybrid system. As for the connect me services I don't believe this has anything to do with if it's a lease deal or not, just that Mercedes need to configure it for u. (Still waiting for mine). I haven't come across anything in the car that will allow u to charge at specific time (for instance after midnight for those with economy 7 meters ) but u do have the function to set the AC/Heat using a predefined departure time or using the key. I am waiting for connect me to discover the online app that allows u to control via a smart device!! Also someone asked about the prebrake and self stopping to avoid collisions which I'm sure works but I'm not brave enough to try!!! I have seen the warning message appear when it thinks ur too close but other than that I'm happier using the brake myself!!! Still very happy with everything in the car. Only slight niggle I have is the hold function when stationery (bit like a hand brake) can be a little tempromental. Other than that it's a lovely car!!

 

[350e]

Hi guys,

Sorry been away for work mainly this week so haven't had a chance to update.

Firstly the question of real world mpg is a difficult one. In my experience so far he longest journey I undertook was around 50 miles wth a full charge. The electric range will obviously differ depending on the type of journey u undertake but mine was around 3 mile urban and then a further 11 miles of sensible motorway driving. At the end of the journey I had averaged approx 57mpg. However as I said this is very dependent on ur style of driving and what u have on in the car. At times I can see the electric range drop drastically when I have the ac on etc.
In regards to my purchase, it was a private purchase with a Mercedes dealership on a lease deal and hence maybe why I got lucky to get one so early. As such I'm wasn't too bothered by the company car tax benefits but was more interested in the tech and saving I would make over the diesel. In my opinion for those buying car as a company car expect to average out around 40-45 mpg across a journey of around 100 miles or so. I would also highly recommend a home charging wall point for those that have the option as thus makes it really simple to plug in and charge and that way u will get the maximum benefit of the hybrid system. As for the connect me services I don't believe this has anything to do with if it's a lease deal or not, just that Mercedes need to configure it for u. (Still waiting for mine). I haven't come across anything in the car that will allow u to charge at specific time (for instance after midnight for those with economy 7 meters ) but u do have the function to set the AC/Heat using a predefined departure time or using the key. I am waiting for connect me to discover the online app that allows u to control via a smart device!! Also someone asked about the prebrake and self stopping to avoid collisions which I'm sure works but I'm not brave enough to try!!! I have seen the warning message appear when it thinks ur too close but other than that I'm happier using the brake myself!!! Still very happy with everything in the car. Only slight niggle I have is the hold function when stationery (bit like a hand brake) can be a little tempromental. Other than that it's a lovely car!!

Has you car caused much comment with friends and neighbours ? Also what colour is it ?

 

[Deane x]

I don't think one can have a charge point put in if you only have street parking is that right? Does any one know if it's possable to buy the Chrome grill ? I know we can't opt for it in uk but can it be bought in uk

 

[Driver15]

Hi guys,

Sorry been away for work mainly this week so haven't had a chance to update.

Firstly the question of real world mpg is a difficult one. In my experience so far he longest journey I undertook was around 50 miles wth a full charge. The electric range will obviously differ depending on the type of journey u undertake but mine was around 3 mile urban and then a further 11 miles of sensible motorway driving. At the end of the journey I had averaged approx 57mpg. However as I said this is very dependent on ur style of driving and what u have on in the car. At times I can see the electric range drop drastically when I have the ac on etc.
In regards to my purchase, it was a private purchase with a Mercedes dealership on a lease deal and hence maybe why I got lucky to get one so early. As such I'm wasn't too bothered by the company car tax benefits but was more interested in the tech and saving I would make over the diesel. In my opinion for those buying car as a company car expect to average out around 40-45 mpg across a journey of around 100 miles or so. I would also highly recommend a home charging wall point for those that have the option as thus makes it really simple to plug in and charge and that way u will get the maximum benefit of the hybrid system. As for the connect me services I don't believe this has anything to do with if it's a lease deal or not, just that Mercedes need to configure it for u. (Still waiting for mine). I haven't come across anything in the car that will allow u to charge at specific time (for instance after midnight for those with economy 7 meters ) but u do have the function to set the AC/Heat using a predefined departure time or using the key. I am waiting for connect me to discover the online app that allows u to control via a smart device!! Also someone asked about the prebrake and self stopping to avoid collisions which I'm sure works but I'm not brave enough to try!!! I have seen the warning message appear when it thinks ur too close but other than that I'm happier using the brake myself!!! Still very happy with everything in the car. Only slight niggle I have is the hold function when stationery (bit like a hand brake) can be a little tempromental. Other than that it's a lovely car!!

Thanks for this - good bit of info

Also thanks for advising you cant set timers from within the car.

More photos ?

 

[Driver15]

I don't think one can have a charge point put in if you only have street parking is that right? Does any one know if it's possable to buy the Chrome grill ? I know we can't opt for it in uk but can it be bought in uk

Thats correct if going via the government grant.

Nothing stopping you if you are willing to pay full amount.

 

[350e]

I don't think one can have a charge point put in if you only have street parking is that right? Does any one know if it's possable to buy the Chrome grill ? I know we can't opt for it in uk but can it be bought in uk

You can have a dedicated charging point installed in the street near your home
The government devised the plan to enable the thousands of people living in houses without off street parking. It does require that the local authority sign up to the scheme with OLEV in order to gain the grant funding.
A number of London boroughs have embraced the scheme with great success all round. OLEV told me that the scheme has a couple of hurdles to overcome. First in these straightened times the local Treasurers department may resist and the second hurdle is the department providing parking spaces, they don't like giving up space for EV parking.
My local MP provided information and after I wrote to the council we are now at this stage :

"RE: Electric charging point
We are now considering this matter.
Kind regards

Highway Asset Manager"


I am not holding my breath for a positive outcome

 

[Driver15]

^^ Downside I guess is "someone" goes to all this effort to then find Mr Smith at number 101 parks his car there daily to charge outside your house where you have no control over as its a public "station" ?

Any option to convert from garden to a hard standing / drive ?

 

[350e]

^^ Downside I guess is "someone" goes to all this effort to then find Mr Smith at number 101 parks his car there daily to charge outside your house where you have no control over as its a public "station" ?

Any option to convert from garden to a hard standing / drive ?

It is more likely to be me parked there all day

However I am relaxed about it because my plan A is to simply use the 8 metre cable across the pathway at a time when the street is largely deserted. I will only need to run the cable out for a couple of hours every now and again and so I don't anticipate any problems. My garage is located close by but sadly there is no power supply and the cost of providing it would be ridiculous if not impossible.

 

[Deane x]

^^ Downside I guess is "someone" goes to all this effort to then find Mr Smith at number 101 parks his car there daily to charge outside your house where you have no control over as its a public "station" ?

Any option to convert from garden to a hard standing / drive ?

I live in a quiet crescent with no other EV car so mite work for me , I would not convert my garden as I live in period house and it would spoil the look of the house plus I love my garden ,shame I can't get it back garden loads of room there !but I am not in London so I will have to see what the council say , I will ring them tomorrow

 

[350e]

I live in a quiet crescent with no other EV car so mite work for me , I would not convert my garden as I live in period house and it would spoil the look of the house plus I love my garden ,shame I can't get it back garden loads of room there !but I am not in London so I will have to see what the council say , I will ring them tomorrow

Good luck with that

You might like to read up on the scheme beforehand and be aware that there is a lot of ignorance surrounding the scheme, largely because councils have not been challenged to engage with it.

More here : https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...street-rapid-chargepoints-local-authority.pdf

The schemes have been set up with two specific purposes in mind. First,
to increase the availability of on-street charging points in residential
streets where off-street parking is not available. Second, to increase the
availability of rapid charging points in locations where those points will
help increase the uptake of plug-in vehicle

 

[Deane x]

Good luck with that

You might like to read up on the scheme beforehand and be aware that there is a lot of ignorance surrounding the scheme, largely because councils have not been challenged to engage with it.

More here : https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...street-rapid-chargepoints-local-authority.pdf

I can only try but if not its plan A same as you m8

 

[crockers]

It is more likely to be me parked there all day

However I am relaxed about it because my plan A is to simply use the 8 metre cable across the pathway at a time when the street is largely deserted. I will only need to run the cable out for a couple of hours every now and again and so I don't anticipate any problems. My garage is located close by but sadly there is no power supply and the cost of providing it would be ridiculous if not impossible.

I'm assuming your cable will be covered with those mini ramp things or you're asking for someone to trip over it and your a$$ is then on the line.

 

[350e]

I am hoping that with the 8 metre cable and a protector like the one below will overcome the problem of my garage not having electricity , away from the house, will provide a charging solution.

I'm assuming your cable will be covered with those mini ramp things or you're asking for someone to trip over it and your a$$ is then on the line.

As I posted earlier

 

[dan123]

Hi guys,

Sorry been away for work mainly this week so haven't had a chance to update.

Firstly the question of real world mpg is a difficult one. In my experience so far he longest journey I undertook was around 50 miles wth a full charge. The electric range will obviously differ depending on the type of journey u undertake but mine was around 3 mile urban and then a further 11 miles of sensible motorway driving. At the end of the journey I had averaged approx 57mpg. However as I said this is very dependent on ur style of driving and what u have on in the car. At times I can see the electric range drop drastically when I have the ac on etc.
In regards to my purchase, it was a private purchase with a Mercedes dealership on a lease deal and hence maybe why I got lucky to get one so early. As such I'm wasn't too bothered by the company car tax benefits but was more interested in the tech and saving I would make over the diesel. In my opinion for those buying car as a company car expect to average out around 40-45 mpg across a journey of around 100 miles or so. I would also highly recommend a home charging wall point for those that have the option as thus makes it really simple to plug in and charge and that way u will get the maximum benefit of the hybrid system. As for the connect me services I don't believe this has anything to do with if it's a lease deal or not, just that Mercedes need to configure it for u. (Still waiting for mine). I haven't come across anything in the car that will allow u to charge at specific time (for instance after midnight for those with economy 7 meters ) but u do have the function to set the AC/Heat using a predefined departure time or using the key. I am waiting for connect me to discover the online app that allows u to control via a smart device!! Also someone asked about the prebrake and self stopping to avoid collisions which I'm sure works but I'm not brave enough to try!!! I have seen the warning message appear when it thinks ur too close but other than that I'm happier using the brake myself!!! Still very happy with everything in the car. Only slight niggle I have is the hold function when stationery (bit like a hand brake) can be a little tempromental. Other than that it's a lovely car!!

Thanks for your post, please post further updates on economy as the car beds in.....I'm sure it will greatly appreciated across the www as this info is as rare as rocking horse sh*t!

Another question if I may? I keep seeing posters say "after x miles the battery was fully depleted" Am I right in thinking that in hybrid mode the battery wont deplete? I thought that the point of a hybrid was that as you go downhill or brake the battery recharges? I understand in EV mode the battery will deplete but I was hoping that doesn't apply when in Hybrid?

My plan is I will use my car in 2 ways, on working days I will leave home with a full charge, probably without further opportunity to charge during the day.

In the evenings and weekends I do a lot of small runs (shops/dropping/picking up kids etc) so I'm hoping to this all pretty much in EV plugging in every time I return home.

On the charger issue, I'm lucky enough to have a private driveway/garage to mount the equipment on.

Dan

 

[taylorj7]

Newbie member

Hi all. I have been avidly watching and waiting with the forum since mid april when i ordered my C350e prem plus in polar white with bigger alloys, posh upgraded lights and the rear tint. NHS fleet have provided an estimate of end Nov 15 which is in-line with the 7 month original estimate. Really excited about getting it and now some people are starting to recieve theirs in the UK even more so. Really informative and interesting views and opinions. Keep it up guys and more pictures of real customer cars would be great as would be information about real and UK based reviews would be great too as they all seem to of been continental based this far.