Mercedes-Benz introduced an all-in-one mobile EV charging machine, “ELF,” that promises to unlock charging speeds as quick as filling up at the pump.
Mercedes-Benz unveils the ELF mobile EV charging van
It may look like an electric van, but Mercedes-Benz claims ELF is much more than just any ordinary vehicle. It’s “a symbol of a bold new era in charging,” the luxury brand said on Thursday.
The nickname comes from the German term Experimental-Lade-Fahrzeug (ELF), which translates to Experimental Charging Vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz ELF is an all-in-one mobile EV powerhouse that combines ultra-fast, bidirectional, inductive, and conductive charging. It’s based on the Mercedes V-Class people carrier and is equipped with five unique charging ports.
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It will act as a rolling test lab, promising to unlock faster, more convenient, and sustainable electric vehicle charging.
The ELF features two fast charging systems: A standard Combined Charging System (CCS) and a heavy-duty Megawatt Charging System (MCS).
The Mercedes-Benz ELF is equipped with two fast charging systems: MCS and CCS (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes is “testing the limits of CCS,” claiming the ELF can achieve a charging capacity of up to 900 kW, or enough to add 100 kWh in about 10 minutes. The MCS system, on the other hand, was initially developed for heavy-duty electric trucks, which Mercedes says unlocks charging capacities in the megawatt range.
The company is already using the all-in-one mobile EV charging rig to improve charging on its upcoming vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz Elf features five different charging ports (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
For example, the Concept AMG GT XX hit a peak charging power of 1,041 kW during megawatt charging after its record-breaking run in Nardò in August.
Mercedes collaborated with Alpitronic to develop a high-performance EV charging station capable of delivering up to 1,000 amps through a modified CCS commercial truck charger. The company is now using what it has learned to develop a new generation of ultra-fast chargers for use at Mercedes-Benz parks.
The Mercedes-Benz ELF (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
According to Mercedes, the new chargers will deliver speeds “that differ only minimally from the conventional refuelling process.”
The ELF is not only capable of absorbing electricity, but Mercedes-Benz is using it to its full potential with bidirectional charging capabilities.
The Mercedes-Benz ELF features Bidirectional charging (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
Capable of both AC and DC bidirectional charging, the ELF can feed energy into your home (Vehicle-to-Home/ V2H), the grid (Vehicle-to-Grid/ V2G), or electric devices (Vehicle-to-Load/ V2L).
Mercedes said a typical vehicle battery with a capacity of 70-100 kWh can power an average single-family home for two to four days.
The new electric CLA and GLC with EQ Technology are the first Mercedes vehicles that offer bidirectional charging capabilities. In 2026, the automaker will launch its first services for bidirectional charging in Germany, France, and the UK. Other markets are set to follow shortly after.
In combination with intelligent energy management, Mercedes said electricity costs can be significantly reduced. Depending on energy use, homeowners can save about 500 euros ($580) per year.
Mercedes-Benz is also using the ELF to test other charging methods, including cable-free induction and automated conductive charging.
The learnings from the ELF will be key to unlocking faster, more convenient, and sustainable charging for upcoming Mercedes-Benz EV models.
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Climate XChange’s Annual EV Raffle is back for the 10th year running – and for the first time ever, Climate XChange has two raffle options on the table! The nonprofit has helped lucky winners custom-order their ideal EVs for the past decade. Now you have the chance to kick off your holiday season with a brand new EV for as little as $100.
About half of the raffle tickets have been sold so far for each of the raffles – you can see the live ticket count on Climate XChange’s homepage – so your odds of winning are better than ever.
But don’t wait – raffle ticket sales end on December 8!
Climate XChange is working hard to help states transition to a zero-emissions economy. Every ticket you buy supports this mission while giving you a chance to drive home your dream EV.
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Here’s how Climate XChange’s 10th Annual Raffle works:
Image: Climate XChange
The Luxury Raffle
Grand Prize: The winner can choose any EV on the market, fully customized up to $120,000. This year, you can split the prize between two EVs if the total is $120,000 or less.
Taxes covered: This raffle comes with no strings – Climate XChange also pays all of the taxes.
Runner-up prizes: Even if you don’t win the Grand Prize, you still have a chance at the 2nd prize of $12,500 and the 3rd prize of $7,500.
Ticket price: $250.
Grand Prize Drawing: December 12, 2025.
Only 5,000 tickets will be sold for the Luxury Raffle.
The Mini Raffle (New for 2025)
Grand Prize: Choose any EV on the market, fully customized, up to $45,000. This is the perfect raffle if you’re ready to make the switch to an EV but aren’t in the market for a luxury model.
Taxes covered: Climate XChange pays all the taxes on the Mini Raffle, too.
Ticket price: $100.
Only 3,500 tickets will be sold for the Mini Raffle.
Why it’s worth entering
For a decade, Climate XChange has run a raffle that’s fair, transparent, and exciting. Every ticket stub is printed, and the entire drawing is live-streamed, including the loading of the raffle drum. Independent auditors also oversee the process.
Plus, your odds on the Luxury and Mini Raffles are far better than most car raffles, and they’re even better if you enter both.
Remember that only 5,000 tickets will be sold for the Luxury Raffle and only 3,500 for the Mini Raffle, and around half of the available tickets have been sold so far, so don’t miss your shot at your dream EV!
Climate XChange personally works with the winners to help them build and order their dream EVs. The winner of the Ninth Annual EV Raffle built a gorgeous storm blue Rivian R1T.
How to enter
Go to CarbonRaffle.org/Electrekbefore December 8 to buy your ticket. Start dreaming up your perfect EV – and know that no matter what, you’re helping accelerate the shift to clean energy.
Who is Climate XChange?
Climate XChange (CXC) is a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies because they’re critical in accelerating the transition to a zero-emissions economy. CXC advances state climate policy through its State Climate Policy Network (SCPN) – a community of more than 15,000 advocates and policymakers – and its State Climate Policy Dashboard, a leading data platform for tracking climate action across the US.
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The CSC Monterey – one of the most charming little electric scooters on the US market – has dropped to a shockingly low $1,699, down from its original $2,899 MSRP. That’s nearly half off for a full-size, street-legal electric scooter that channels major Honda Super Cub energy, but without the gas, noise, or maintenance of the original.
CSC Motorcycles, based in Azusa, California, has a long history of importing and supporting small-format electric and gas bikes, but the Monterey has always stood out as the brand’s “fun vibes first” model. With its step-through frame, big retro headlight, slim bodywork, and upright seating position, it looks like something from a 1960s postcard – just brought into the modern era with lithium batteries and a brushless hub motor.
I had my first experience on one of these scooters back in 2021, when I reviewed the then-new model here on Electrek. I instantly fell in love with it and even got one for my dad. It now lives at his place and I think he gets just as much joy from looking at it in his garage as riding it.
You can see my review video below.
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The performance is solidly moped-class, which is exactly what it’s designed for. A 2,400W rear hub motor pushes the Monterey up to a claimed 30 mph or 48 km/h (I found it really topped out at closer to 32 mph or 51 km/h), making it perfect for city streets, beach towns, and lower-speed suburban routes.
A 60V, roughly 1.6 kWh removable battery offers around 30–40 miles (48-64 km) of real-world range, depending on how aggressively you twist the throttle. It’s commuter-ready, grocery-run-ready, and campus-ready right out of the crate.
It’s also remarkably approachable. At around 181 pounds (82 kg), the Monterey is light for a sit-down scooter, making it easy to maneuver and park. There’s a small storage cubby, LED lighting, and the usual simple twist-and-go operation. And it comes with full support from CSC, a company that keeps a massive warehouse stocked with components and spare parts.
My sister has a CSC SG250 (I’m still trying to convert her to electric) and has gotten great support from them in the past, including from their mechanics walking her through carburetor questions over the phone. So I know from personal experience that CSC is a great company that stands behind its bikes.
But the real story here is the price. Scooters in this class typically hover between $2,500 and $4,500, and electric retro-style models often jump well above that.
At $1,699, the Monterey is one of the least expensive street-legal electric scooters available from a reputable US distributor, especially one that actually stocks parts and provides phone support.
If you’ve been curious about swapping a few car errands for something electric – or you just want a fun, vintage-styled runabout for getting around town – this is one of the best deals of the year.
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In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss a big Tesla Robotaxi setback, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV, Bollinger is over, and more.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. Sales end on Dec. 8th for its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream model. Visit CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more.
As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.
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After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:
We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.
Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:
Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET:
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