There are only seven years left until the total UK ban on new petrol-powered cars but if this new Mercedes is anything to go by the switch could be less painless than some are expecting. It's called the Concept CLA Class and it's just been unveiled at a glitzy event in Munich, Germany.
Its striking looks with a dominating front grille that lights up like a Christmas tree are clearly going to catch some eyes but it's what's going on under the bonnet that makes this EV super impressive.
Mercedes is promising that the Concept CLA Class will be able to travel 466 miles before needing a refill. That means owners should be able to travel from London to Edinburgh without going near a plug.
Range anxiety continues to be a major concern for motorists considering making the change to electric but it appears things are going to get a lot better in the future.
That extended distance is all thanks to clever technology found in the highly efficient VISION EQXX - a car that's capable of whizzing along for over 700 miles without needing to stop for a refill.
Even when things do run dry, the new CLA Class can be fast refilled with 15 minutes of charge offering 248 miles of motoring. That will make the current nightmare of spending hours at a charging station feel a lot less daunting.
Of course, this is a premium Mercedes so owners can expect plenty of luxury once strapped inside.
The whole dashboard is filled with a giant superscreen that offers detailed info about the car's performance along with access to entertainment and navigation.
Anyone who loves a sunroof will be pleased to see that the Concept CLA Class features a giant glass panel which almost makes it feel like a convertible. LED lighting fills the inside and can be changed to suit your mood.
Along with its electric motor helping the planet, Mercedes also says that the Concept CLA Class showcases the use of sustainable materials throughout its structure and interior.
This ranges from almost CO2-free steel and CO2-reduced aluminium to sustainably produced and processed leather upholstery as well as trim made from paper.
Speaking about the unveiling of the new concept, Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, said: “The technology that provides the foundation for the Concept CLA Class represents an entirely new approach for Mercedes-Benz and incorporates many learnings from our groundbreaking VISION EQXX technology programme. For instance, our engineers have maximised efficiency by driving down losses in its 800 V electric-drive system.
"It also features innovative battery cell chemistry as well as a high level of integration enabling excellent energy density. I am certain that our MMA platform will enable us to offer our customers in this market segment a class-defining combination of performance, sustainability, safety and comfort paired with an outstanding digital experience.”
Of course, this is just a concept car for now but it shows what could be possible and how going electric really could be the future.