Mercedes-Benz set to optimise EV charging

MERCEDES-BENZ has announced details of an experimental vehicle charging research program dubbed Experimental-Lade-Fahrzeug (or ELF for short) it says will offer customers a “seamless, intelligent charging experience”.

Used in a recent EV distance record setting event with the Mercedes-Benz Concept AMG GT XX, it encompasses two main areas of development.

The first is dual fast-charging capability with MCS and CCS through ongoing research into performance limits and development of future series solutions and the second a bidirectional charging system with AC and DC outputs where the vehicle becomes an energy storage device for buildings, electrical consumers and power grid.

Stating the obvious, Mercedes-Benz electric mobility is a key component on the road to decarbonisation which dictates its focus on “local” CO2-free driving, intelligent charging and holistic resource conservation.

The German manufacturer is leveraging its ELF experimental charging vehicle program to make the case for sustainable innovation.

“Electric mobility is more than just technology, it stands for responsibility towards the environment, society and future generations,” said Mercedes-Benz in a statement.

“But local CO2-emission-free driving alone is not enough. Charging must also be efficient, intelligent and sustainable.”

This is why Mercedes-Benz it is consistently working on innovative charging solutions for the home, workplace and public spaces, and actively shaping the future of charging.

Illustrating its commitment to the technology, in 2021, the company was one of the first car manufacturers to launch Plug & Charge, a function that made fast charging easier than ever before.

And with its own MB.Charge public charging service, which is fully integrated into the vehicle, Mercedes-Benz to have set standards for connected public charging back in 2019.

“An integral part of this charging service is Green Charging in Europe, Canada and the US, which specifically promotes the use of electricity from renewable energies,” added Mercedes-Benz.

“ELF is more than a vehicle, it’s a symbol of a bold new era in charging.

“With the Experimental Charging Vehicle, Mercedes-Benz demonstrates what happens when ‘visionary’ technology, courageous ideas and passionate teamwork come together.

“This mobile charging lab unites ultra-fast, bidirectional, solar, inductive and conductive charging in a holistic concept that doesn’t just test the limits of what’s possible, it redefines them.

“Behind ELF stands an interdisciplinary team driven by dedication and innovation, working to make electric mobility more convenient, efficient, and sustainable and with ELF, Mercedes-Benz makes an emotional statement for progress, underlining its role as a pioneer in mobility and setting milestones in the charging of electric vehicles.”

Delving a little deeper into its research to discover what is achievable at the limits of fast charging, acknowledged as the key to the everyday usability of electric mobility, we find the ELF experimental vehicle used to explore the limits of what is technically feasible – both in the vehicle and at the charging station.

Facilitating this are the two fast charging systems fitted to the vehicle that cover different areas of application.

They are an MCS connector (Megawatt Charging System) that was originally developed for heavy-duty transport that allows charging capacities in the megawatt range and the CCS connector (Combined Charging System).

“In the ELF, MCS 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,” added Mercedes-Benz.

“The findings are being incorporated into the development of long-distance vehicles and fleet solutions with short downtimes.

“CCS is used as the standard for passenger cars to test near-series components such as cables, connectors, cooling and charge control under everyday conditions.

“Mercedes-Benz is testing the technical limits of CCS in order to create the conditions for even higher charging capacities. The ELF can achieve a charging capacity of up to 900kW – this means that 100kWh can be charged in 10 minutes.

“The vehicle simulates typical charging scenarios that occur in everyday customer use, such as at fast charging stations along motorways or in urban areas.

“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.”

In essence, Mercedes-Benz n is covering its options for EV recharging through pursuing a dual research approach.

On the one hand, new technological horizons are being explored and the technology of the future is being developed while on the other hand, the series production readiness of existing systems and in turn, the charging experience of today is being improved.

Mercedes-Benz showcased its charging tech via the recent record drive of its Concept AMG GT XX EV where it teamed up with Alpitronic, the European market leader in high-power charging, to develop a prototype high-performance charging station for the vehicle.

For the first time, the record setting vehicle could transmit currents of up to 1000 amps via a CCS cable, twice as much as was previously possible.

It was enabled by using an MCS charging station originally designed for trucks, in which the truck cable was replaced by a CCS cable.

These developments are closely linked to the work of Mercedes-Benz Mobility in-house Charging Unit responsible for the global rollout of the Mercedes-Benz ChargingNetwork, a brand-owned fast-charging network with a focus on convenience, reliability and premium service for drivers of electric vehicles of all brands.