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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On today’s extreme episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got the most affordable new EV in America packing 255 miles of range, sub-30 minute charging, V2H support, and more – all that for a price about $10,000 LESS than that new “affordable” Tesla.
We’ve also got specs for the all-new, all-electric Ferrari Elettrica and a world’s first, hydrogen-powered autonomous farm tractor from Kubota.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. The nonprofit just kicked off its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream model. Visit CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more.
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Momentum, the lifestyle-focused urban bike brand under Giant Group, has just launched the latest version of its popular Vida E+ electric bike – and this one’s all about making e-biking smoother, safer, and more accessible to riders of all experience levels.
The updated Vida E+ features a new 500W SyncDrive Move S motor offering 60Nm of torque and pedal assist up to 28 mph, designed to provide natural-feeling power whether you’re cruising to work or just exploring around town. The system uses a combination of sensors to analyze torque, speed, and cadence, automatically adjusting power output to match your pedaling effort.
According to Momentum, the motor engages with as little as 4Nm of pedal pressure and just 10° of crank movement, giving riders what they describe as an ultra-smooth and effortless start every time.
A new optional throttle adds another layer of convenience, letting riders cruise at speeds up to 20 mph without pedaling, which should be perfect for hills, traffic-heavy starts, or when you just want to relax and take it easy on the way home. The bike’s EnergyPak 700 battery provides up to a claimed 55 miles (88 km) of range on pedal assist or 43 miles (69 km) on throttle-only riding.
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The Vida E+ also leans hard into comfort and safety. It sports a low-step aluminum frame for easy on-and-off, an 80 mm suspension fork, and wide 26×2.4-inch tires for stability and plushness. Four-piston hydraulic disc brakes ensure solid stopping power, while a new automatic motor cutoff feature stops assistance as soon as the brakes engage. The bike is UL 2849 certified, meaning it meets top-tier safety standards for batteries and electronics, which is a growing priority in the e-bike world as more cities and states consider requiring safety certification as a prerequisite.
With support for up to 300 pounds (136 kg) total load and optional racks front and rear, the Vida E+ is also built for everyday utility. And on the tech side, momentum’s RideControl app lets riders fine-tune speed and assistance, lock or unlock the bike electronically, and monitor battery health.
VW’s US EV lease deals just went from hero to zero. Federal tax credits are now dead, the automaker has wiped out up to $12,000 in lease incentives on the ID.4, and ended $10,500 in discounts on the ID. Buzz. The move bucks the trend as other brands continue to sweeten their EV lease offers.
As of September 30, 2025, Volkswagen offered up to $12,350 in lease cash on the ID.4, depending on configuration. That included a $7,500 federal lease tax credit for lessees as Bonus Customer Cash, plus $3,500 to $4,850 in Dealer Lease Cash. It made the ID.4 one of the top EV lease deals around.
On October 1, those incentives vanished. While the ID.4 still has a 0% APR equivalent lease rate, drivers lost more than $12,000 in savings overnight. The ID. Buzz took a similar hit. Last month, the 2025 ID. Buzz offered $10,500 off MSRP between the $7,500 tax credit and $3,000 Dealer Lease Cash. Now, almost all lease cash is gone. VW Credit is offering just $750 in Dealer Lease Cash, and weirdly, not on models with two-tone paint. According to CarsDirect’s lease calculator, the lowest-priced ID. Buzz trim now carries an effective monthly cost topping $1,000 — a considerable jump.
For comparison, the ID. Buzz Pro S was previously advertised at $589 a month for 36 months with $5,999 due at signing, or an effective monthly cost of $756.
The ID.4 lease once cost just $233 a month, making it one of the cheapest EVs to lease. According to updated estimates, that figure is now north of $800 – that’s hair-raising.
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Meanwhile, VW’s rivals are going in the opposite direction. Ford extended its Mustang Mach-E lease deals through early January. Subaru’s updated 2026 Solterra still qualifies for the $7,500 lease credit, and Jeep replaced the expiring EV lease credit with equivalent bonus cash.
If you really want a Volkswagen, though, there’s some good news: financing deals haven’t changed. The 2025 ID.4 continues to offer 0% APR for 72 months, and buyers of the ID. Buzz can still get up to $3,250 in Bonus Customer Cash through November 3, a perk unavailable to lessees.
It kinda seems like VW doesn’t want to lease their EVs anymore…?? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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