Unfortunate breakdown: Repairing electric Mercedes vehicles is now an impossible task
In recent times, many electric Mercedes owners have expressed their frustration due to the difficulty in repairing their vehicles, particularly those affected by defective batteries. The problem lies not in the unavailability of quick help at a workshop in case of a defect, but rather in the scarcity of replacement batteries.
Since 2024, the battery rental for the affected electric Mercedes models will no longer be extended, compounding the issue. This battery shortage, attributed to outdated technology and a known battery problem that can lead to deep discharge, has caused concern for owners who rely on their cars for transportation.
The lack of replacement batteries is causing a problem for the repair of the affected electric Mercedes models. However, this predicament has led to a shift in focus towards battery cell repairs and reconditioning rather than full replacement.
Mercedes has developed a "repair solution" in collaboration with external service providers and Bosch workshops, focusing on repairing defective batteries. For instance, certain specialized independent workshops like EV Clinic in Berlin have successfully repaired damaged batteries by replacing faulty cells, significantly restoring battery capacity. This approach can even increase the range of the affected electric Mercedes models.
Workshops specialized in electric vehicle battery repair, such as EV Clinic, provide services to repair high-voltage batteries in various Mercedes EV models, including the EQC. Their approach includes cell-level repairs and Battery Management System fixes, effectively extending battery life and mitigating the need for full-pack replacements.
Daimler Buses (Mercedes’ bus division) has launched reconditioning services for electric bus batteries and offers battery replacement for new generation models, aiming to extend service life and optimize resources. This reflects a wider corporate emphasis on battery refurbishment.
Since about 2019, Mercedes stopped installing fully new batteries during replacements and used "mixed cells" reconditioned battery packs. However, stocks of these reconditioned batteries are reportedly depleted, pushing maintenance towards repair over replacement.
Emerging aftermarket technologies, such as those offered by major battery suppliers like CATL, also indicate a trend that could influence Mercedes service models in the future. CATL now offers battery pack repairs at a fraction of replacement costs.
In summary, due to replacement battery shortages, affected Mercedes electric vehicles are increasingly relying on battery cell repairs and reconditioning through official or specialized third-party workshops, supported by manufacturer repair programs and emerging aftermarket technologies, rather than full battery pack swaps.
It is essential to note that, in case of a defect in the battery, the affected electric Mercedes models can no longer be repaired by Mercedes. The missing spare parts are causing small errors to result in the cars becoming stationary. Nevertheless, workshops specializing in electric vehicle battery repair are proving to be a viable solution for these affected vehicles.
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- Due to the scarcity of replacement batteries for electric Mercedes vehicles, repair solutions are now focusing on battery cell repairs and reconditioning.
- Specialized workshops like EV Clinic in Berlin have successfully repaired damaged batteries in various Mercedes EV models, including the EQC, by replacing faulty cells and restoring battery capacity.
- In an effort to extend the service life and optimize resources, Daimler Buses (Mercedes’ bus division) has launched reconditioning services for electric bus batteries and offers battery replacement for new generation models.
- Emerging aftermarket technologies, such as those offered by CATL, indicate a trend that could influence Mercedes service models in the future, as battery pack repairs are now available at a fraction of replacement costs.
- In summary, affected Mercedes electric vehicles are gradually depending on battery cell repairs and reconditioning through official or specialized third-party workshops, supported by manufacturer repair programs and emerging aftermarket technologies, rather than full battery pack swaps.
