With ELF, Mercedes explores the far reaches of the rechargeable galaxy

The star brand pushes the boundaries of electric mobility even further with its ELF prototype.

The Experimental Lade Fahrzeug, nicknamed ELF for insiders – with no relation to a famous oil company – is not just a mobile study, but a true mobile laboratory dedicated to the recharge of the future.

This prototype combines automotive innovations and infrastructure to experiment with everything related to energy: ultra-fast charging, bidirectional, inductive, or even robotized. In short, ELF embodies the idea that electric cars should not only drive cleanly but also recharge more intelligently.

Under its body, ELF houses two charging systems: the CCS, already familiar to passenger cars, and the MCS (Megawatt Charging System), designed for heavy trucks. The latter allows charging powers exceeding a megawatt, enough to recover 100 kWh in ten minutes. These extreme tests help refine cooling, thermal resistance, and electronic management of Mercedes’ future batteries.

Two-way electricity

But ELF does not just consume electrons: it can also return them. Bidirectional charging (V2G, V2H, or V2L) turns the vehicle into a mobile battery capable of powering a household, a building, or supporting the electrical grid in case of consumption peaks. An idea that will become reality starting in 2026, with the first compatible Mercedes models and CHARGE Home services in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

The experience doesn’t stop there. ELF also tests wireless charging by induction, conductive charging via the vehicle’s floor, and even automated solutions assisted by robots. All these approaches are designed to simplify life for drivers and make recharging as natural as fueling up with gasoline.

You might be interestedin this article:

Recharge

• 08/10/2025 15:12

Charging as fast as filling up a tank… on paper

With ELF, Mercedes-Benz is not just looking to push the limits of technology: the brand is redefining how electric cars will interact with the world of tomorrow—faster, more connected, and above all, more useful.

ALSO READ: Charging as fast as a full tank… on paper