Mercedes-Benz’s ELF experimental prototype explores megawatt-level bidirectional charging and grid integration.
Mercedes-Benz’s Experimental Charging Vehicle—nicknamed ELF (from the German Experimental-Lade-Fahrzeug)—packs an intriguing mix of hardware built for ultra-fast, flexible charging. The German carmaker has combined bidirectional high-power charging, integration with solar and stationary storage systems, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) support into one research prototype. The company unveiled ELF this month as part of a broader effort to test electric vehicle charging interoperability.
The vehicle simulates daily fast-charging sessions along roadways. Mercedes-Benz aims to apply the data obtained under realistic conditions to enhance its long-range and fleet-oriented EVs. According to Mercedes, the ELF can reach charging capacities up to 900 kW under test conditions, enough to charge a 100 kWh battery in about 10 minutes. By comparison, today’s EVs—including Mercedes’s EQ lineup—operate at much lower charging rates, generally 150-350 kW, with only a handful of upcoming models edging higher.
Although the ELF itself won’t be sold to customers, its battery, CCS hardware, and charging control systems are nearing series production for future Mercedes EV models.
ELF tests high-power charging for vehicle-to-X applications. Image used courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Under the Hood: How Does ELF Work?
The ELF is designed to test bidirectional functions in live fast-charging scenarios, validating both AC and DC modes. AC mode enables vehicle-to-home (V2H), vehicle-to-building (V2B), and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) coordination through a bidirectional AC wallbox. DC mode links directly to the grid or buildings via a DC wallbox, yielding higher efficiency when paired with external solar and storage systems. With these setups, a typical Mercedes-Benz EV battery with 70-100 kWh of capacity could power a single-family home for up to four days, depending on household energy use.
A peek inside the ELF. Image used courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz calls ELF a “mobile charging lab,” featuring a dual charging setup incorporating both the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) and Combined Charging System (CCS). MCS, originally engineered to fast-charge heavy-duty electric trucks, can theoretically push power levels into the multi-megawatt range. Integrating it into a test vehicle allows engineers to study how batteries, cooling, and power electronics handle sustained high loads.
Mercedes-Benz partnered with Italy-based Alpitronic to design a prototype charging station derived from MCS truck hardware. This setup can deliver up to 1,000 A via a CCS cable, about twice today’s production limit. A liquid cooling system maintains connector safety at these extreme power levels. Testing at Mercedes’ Stuttgart-Untertürkheim facility simulated real-world charging sessions to validate both sides of the charging interface.
The Experimental Charging Vehicle. Image used courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Automated conductive charging in the ELF takes place when the vehicle is parked above a floor-mounted plate, delivering up to 11 kW AC through a physical connection to the vehicle’s underbody. Mercedes-Benz is also testing an inductive 11 kW AC charging system that transfers power wirelessly through magnetic coils embedded in the ground.
This feature is designed to make everyday EV charging cable-free and scalable for home use, fleets, and autonomous vehicles, particularly in markets where plug-in charging is impractical due to space or safety constraints.
The ELF’s CCS port. Image used courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Bidirectional Charging Expansion
Mercedes is building on earlier experience with CHAdeMO-based bidirectional charging in Japan and preparing CCS-based systems for Europe. The all-electric GLC and CLA models can already support bidirectional DC charging through a wallbox. Mercedes plans to launch its first bidirectional V2H service in 2026 across Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.
The ELF follows Mercedes-Benz’s earlier research projects like the Concept AMG GT XX, which demonstrated the ability to maintain 1,000 kW charging power for about 2.5 minutes. The company reported it transmitted 17.3 kWh in a minute, which roughly translates to 77 miles of range.
Mercedes has been steadily expanding its charging offerings for years. The MB.Charge public charging service provides a growing network of compatible stations for all Mercedes-Benz electric cars, vans, and plug-in hybrids. According to the company’s 2024 annual report, the MB.Charge network totals 2 million AC and DC public points across 1,600+ operators worldwide.
The ELF experimental vehicle is designed to test bidirectional charging capabilities for future EV models. Images used courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes aims to add 10,000 fast-charging points globally by 2030, including through a joint venture in China with BMW (IONCHI), which targets 7,000 points across 1,000+ stations by late-2026. In North America, Mercedes has partnered with other leading automakers to add 30,000 chargers along major routes and cities. And across Europe, its IONITY network has grown to nearly 5,000 fast-charging points, with some offering 400 kW capacity.
Automakers across the board are rushing to make charging more convenient. Ford and GM are bringing V2H systems to the market. In Europe, Porsche plans to roll out wireless inductive charging for its Cayenne EVs next year, allowing users to park over a floor-mounted pad near a receiver on the underbody. Mercedes’ ELF prototype furthers the concept by testing how megawatt-level bidirectional charging and automated hookups could realistically work in future EVs.
