Mercedes is putting tomorrow’s charging technologies to the test with its ELF experimental charging vehicle.
The V-Class-based experimental lab is kitted out to test five different types of charging
Equipped as a mobile charging lab, the ELF – named after the German term Experimental-Lade-Fahrzeug, which translates to Experimental Charging Vehicle – actively explores future charging solutions for the home, workplace and public spaces.
The V-Class-based experimental lab is kitted out to test five different types of charging – ultra-fast, bidirectional, solar, inductive and conductive charging – to set new milestones.
It’s equipped with dual fast-charging capability – a heavy-duty MCS (Megawatt Charging System) connector and a CCS connector (Combined Charging System) – to research performance limits and develop future series solutions while also improving on existing systems.
The MCS connector allows charging capacities in the megawatt range and serves as a research tool for testing the thermal resilience and performance limits of high-voltage batteries, power electronics, charging cables and other components under extreme conditions. The findings are being incorporated into the development of long-distance vehicles and fleet solutions with short downtimes.
The CCS connector advances on the technical limits of CCS to create the conditions for even higher charging capacities; the ELF can achieve a charging capacity of up to 900kW – enough to give 100kWh in 10 minutes. The components used, such as the battery, charging control and CCS hardware, are already close to series production and will be incorporated into future Mercedes-Benz models.
Such knowledge has already helped with the AMG GT XX concept saloon, which achieved a peak charging power of 1,041kW during megawatt charging using a prototype high-performance charging station co-developed with Alpitronic. The findings from the prototype charging station are being directly incorporated into the development of a new generation of high-performance fast chargers, which are to be used at Mercedes-Benz charging parks.
Bidirectional charging developments
The ELF also explores the full potential of bidirectional charging – seen as a strategic lever for the energy transition – in Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) forms.
The ELF tests bidirectional charging in real-world scenarios and is capable of both AC and DC bidirectional charging. The findings are fed directly into the series development of future models.
Mercedes-Benz has already successful introduced bidirectional charging in Japan with the CHAdeMO standard and is preparing specific customer offers for the CCS standard. The new all-electric CLA with EQ Technology and the new GLC with EQ Technology are already technically equipped for bidirectional charging with a compatible DC wallbox.
Over 2026, Mercedes-Benz will launch its first services for bidirectional charging in Germany, France and the UK, with other markets to follow. Its MB.Charge Home offer combines the vehicle, bidirectional wallbox, green electricity tariff and energy market access. The aim is to reduce household costs and support grid stability. A typical Mercedes-Benz high-voltage battery in an electric vehicle with a capacity of 70-100kWh can fully supply an average single-family household with electricity for two to four days (V2H) – ideal in the event of power outages or as a supplement to a photovoltaic system. In addition, the vehicle can also serve as a mobile power source for electrical devices via V2L and, for example, flexibly supply tools or household appliances with energy.
Mercedes also says the energy cost savings can be significant. Depending on the usage scenario, savings of around €500 (£435) per year are possible, which corresponds to approximately 10,000 free kilometres (some 6,200 miles).
Mercedes’ research also looks at idea for a virtual energy account – which could see customers able to use solar power generated not only at home but also flexibly on the go. The principle centres around the idea that customers receive energy credits in a virtual account for surplus electricity from their photovoltaic system and for grid-friendly charging and discharging at home. The accumulated credits could be used flexibly at a later date, either at home or on the go at public Mercedes-Benz charging stations, helping customers to use the electricity they generate more economically and reduce their dependence on fluctuating electricity prices.
The MB.Charge charging ecosystem could enable this as it connects charging points, energy flows and user profiles, enabling intelligent control and billing regardless of the location of the charging process.
Inductive and conductive charging advances
Finally, the ELF explores inductive charging and conductive charging.
Inductive charging is wireless charging without cables that makes charging more convenient and virtually invisible and could have particular potential for home and fleet applications.
The ELF is equipped with an inductive charging system based on the principle of magnetic resonance. The charging power is currently 11 kW alternating current (AC), which corresponds to a typical wallbox. As part of the project, the technology is being tested for everyday usability, efficiency and compatibility with different vehicle heights and positions for various mobility concepts such as premium vehicles, robot taxi approaches and fleet solutions.
Conductive charging is also being explored by the ELF vehicle. Automated conductive charging via the vehicle floor is an innovative method for charging electric vehicles conveniently and efficiently, and is particularly suitable for barrier-free applications or tight parking spaces. Conductive charging uses special charging plates in the floor that communicate with the vehicle. They help the driver or the parking assistant to park the vehicle correctly and initiate the charging process. Energy is transferred via a direct physical connection using a connector in the vehicle floor. The charging power is currently 11kW AC.
Mercedes has used the ELF to explore the installation of the connector in the vehicle floor and the positioning requirements.