Mercedes-Benz is pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle charging technology with its innovative ELF experimental charging vehicle. The acronym ELF stands for Experimental-Lade-Fahrzeug, which translates to Experimental Charging Vehicle in English. This initiative highlights the company’s commitment not only to local CO2-free driving but also to intelligent charging solutions and comprehensive resource conservation.
As electric mobility evolves, it symbolizes more than just technological advancement; it represents a commitment to environmental stewardship and future generations. However, achieving CO2-free driving locally is insufficient. Charging infrastructure must be efficient and sustainable. To address this, Mercedes-Benz is developing innovative charging solutions for homes, workplaces, and public spaces, aiming to shape the future of electric vehicle charging.
Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer in 2021 with the introduction of Plug & Charge, simplifying fast charging processes. In 2019, the company integrated the MB.CHARGE Public charging service into its vehicles, setting a standard for connected public charging. This service includes Green Charging in Europe, Canada, and the U.S., advocating for renewable energy usage.
The ELF vehicle is more than a charging tool; it represents a pioneering stride in charging innovation. This mobile lab combines ultra-fast, bidirectional, solar, inductive, and conductive charging methods, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The project is driven by an interdisciplinary team focused on making electric mobility more convenient and sustainable, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s role as an innovator in mobility.
Fast Charging: Exploring the Limits
Fast charging is essential for the practicality of electric mobility. With ELF, Mercedes-Benz is testing the technological limits at both the vehicle and charging station levels. The vehicle features two fast charging systems:
- MCS connector (Megawatt Charging System): Originally designed for heavy-duty transport, MCS supports megawatt-range charging capacities. It serves as a research tool in ELF to test the thermal resilience and performance limits of high-voltage batteries and related components under extreme conditions.
- CCS connector (Combined Charging System): Standard for passenger cars, CCS is used to test components like cables and cooling systems under regular conditions. The ELF can achieve up to 900 kW, allowing 100 kWh to be charged in just 10 minutes. This system is nearing series production and will be used in future Mercedes-Benz models.
The combination of MCS and CCS supports a dual research approach: pushing technological boundaries and enhancing existing systems’ readiness for series production. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX technology program exemplifies how these advancements are integrated into future vehicles. This concept vehicle can recharge enough energy for a 400-kilometer range in just five minutes and achieved a peak charging power of 1,041 kW during a test.
Bidirectional Charging: A Strategic Energy Transition Tool
Bidirectional charging goes beyond technology; it is pivotal for the energy transition. With ELF, Mercedes-Benz is testing its potential to not only store electricity but also feed it back into homes, the grid, or directly to devices. This approach allows electric vehicles to become integral to sustainable energy systems, offering customers greater independence and cost savings.
The ELF supports both AC and DC bidirectional charging:
- AC (Alternating Current): Facilitates energy supply to devices and energy return to home networks or the public grid. While cost-effective, it requires standardization across different power grids.
- DC (Direct Current): Enables efficient energy recovery with a bidirectional DC wallbox. Although infrastructure costs are higher, it offers high efficiency, particularly with hybrid inverters.
Mercedes-Benz has successfully implemented bidirectional charging in Japan with the CHAdeMO standard and is preparing customer offers for the CCS standard. By 2026, bidirectional charging services will launch in Germany, France, and the UK, with other markets to follow. The MB.CHARGE Home offer aims to reduce household costs and support grid stability, enabling vehicles to act as energy storage devices.
General Benefits of Bidirectional Charging
Bidirectional charging offers independence, cost savings, and sustainability:
- Self-sufficiency & Emergency Power: A Mercedes-Benz high-voltage battery can power an average household for two to four days, providing a backup during outages.
- Reducing Carbon Footprint: Surplus solar power can be stored for later use, reducing CO2 emissions.
- Energy Cost Savings: Intelligent energy management can lead to significant savings, potentially allowing for free kilometers of travel.
Electric Vehicles as Energy Transition Enablers
Electric vehicles are crucial in the energy transition, acting as mobile storage for renewable energy. Through bidirectional charging, they can stabilize the grid by storing excess energy from wind and solar sources and returning it when needed.
Inductive and Conductive Charging: Future Prospects
Mercedes-Benz is also exploring cable-free inductive charging via ELF. This involves wireless energy transfer using a ground-integrated system, enhancing convenience and suitability for home and fleet applications.
The ELF features an inductive charging system based on magnetic resonance, offering 11 kW AC charging power. The project tests this technology’s feasibility, efficiency, and compatibility with various vehicle configurations. Inductive charging is especially appealing in regions like Asia and South Africa, known for demanding charging environments.
Conductive charging via vehicle floors offers another innovative approach. This method uses charging plates in the floor to guide the vehicle into position and initiate the charging process. The ELF project focuses on the effective installation and positioning required for this method, which offers a tidy appearance and requires less space compared to traditional stations.
Automated Charging with Robotics
Mercedes-Benz is also investing in automated charging using robotics to simplify the process, especially for high-power fast charging. This robotic approach is beneficial for fleet operators and premium mobility segments, enhancing safety and efficiency without manual intervention.
These innovations align with the efforts of Mercedes-Benz Mobility’s in-house Charging Unit, responsible for rolling out the global Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, a brand-owned fast-charging network focusing on convenience and reliability for all electric vehicle users.
Original Story at electriccarsreport.com