October 9 – According to foreign media Autocar, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled an experimental charging vehicle, based on the V-Class, to tackle the challenge of lengthy electric vehicle charging times. This vehicle integrates five charging interfaces and focuses on core technologies such as high-power transmission and bidirectional charging. The goal is to make the charging experience comparable to refueling a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle. The company also plans to launch home energy storage services in the UK starting in 2026, building a “virtual power plant” ecosystem.
“The next battle is about convenience. Customers want charging to be as fast, smooth, and effortless as refueling,” stated Malte Sievers, Head of Charging Development at Mercedes-Benz, emphasizing that the experimental charging vehicle is a core R&D platform for addressing this need. The vehicle features a dual-port charging system: the Combined Charging System (CCS) delivers a maximum power of 900 kW, capable of adding 100 kWh of energy in just 10 minutes at 1000A maximum current, making it three times more efficient than charging the new Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ model. The Megawatt Charging System (MCS), derived from electric truck technology, offers even higher power and can handle loads exceeding 1000 kW. It is primarily used to test battery thermal tolerance under high-power scenarios, paving the way for future technology implementation.
Bidirectional charging technology represents another major breakthrough. The experimental vehicle supports bidirectional AC and DC energy transfer, enabling capabilities such as powering a home from the EV, running outdoor equipment, and even feeding energy back into the grid. Related technologies are already being advanced towards series production. According to Mercedes-Benz’s plan, the “MB Charge Home” service will be launched in the UK starting in 2026. This service integrates a wall-mounted charging unit with an energy management system, allowing the EV battery to function as a home energy storage unit. Brand calculations indicate that a typical EV’s battery capacity can meet a household’s electricity demand for several days, potentially saving users around £435 (approximately 4,169 RMB at current exchange rates) annually on electricity bills.
In the long term, Mercedes-Benz plans to create a “virtual energy account” model: owners can earn credits by participating in grid peak shaving or feeding energy back, which can then offset future charging costs. Simultaneously, the brand will use proprietary software to coordinate thousands of electric vehicles, forming a “virtual power plant” to enhance grid stability during peak demand periods, thereby transforming EVs from mere transport vehicles into mobile energy storage units.
Furthermore, the experimental charging vehicle is exploring future charging forms, such as wireless inductive charging at 11 kW via ground-based and vehicle coils creating an electromagnetic field, suitable for short top-up scenarios. A robotic system for automatically connecting high-power charging cables is also under parallel testing. The vehicle is equipped with a photovoltaic roof which, under ideal sunlight conditions, can add approximately 30 km of range per day. This not only offsets standby power consumption but can also slowly replenish the battery while parked.
Mercedes-Benz emphasizes that all technological developments from this experimental charging vehicle will gradually be integrated into the global charging network infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to achieve DC fast charging convenience on par with refueling, removing a key barrier to widespread electric vehicle adoption.
