Mercedes’ latest experimental vehicle is called ELF, and it’s a minivan. ELF stands for Experimental-Lade-Fahrzeug, a German term that literally translates to Experimental Load Vehicle, but more accurately, when mixing concept and language, Experimental Charging Vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class (coming to the US soon) is loaded with a dual-charging system, using a standard CCS connector and an MCS connector so it can use the Megawatt Charging System. Mercedes says that the ELF can charge at 900 kW using the CCS connector, which means a 100 kWh battery can be charged in 10 minutes. What’s amazing, though, is that the system doesn’t just melt due to the power required to get there.
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