The recall of 14,912 Mercedes-Benz EVs in the U.S. due to a battery management system software issue is causing concern for owners. The affected vehicles include all versions of the EQS and EQE sedans, as well as the EQS SUV and EQE SUV from model years 2023 to 2025. The software in these vehicles may lead to a shutdown of the high-voltage system in specific situations, such as a diagnostic data overflow to the battery management system.
The investigation into this issue was prompted by reports of warning messages in vehicle instrument clusters related to the battery pack, with the first report coming from a dealership in Denmark in October 2023. As a result, owners of the recalled cars will need to schedule appointments with dealerships to have updated battery management software installed, free of charge.
### The Recall Issue
The cause of the recall is a diagnostic data overflow to the battery management system, which can be triggered by continuous diagnostic requests from other onboard control units. This overload can lead to the opening of contractors that disconnect the battery pack from the powertrain, resulting in a loss of drive power.
### Remedial Actions
Mercedes-Benz has identified the affected vehicles based on production records and is taking steps to rectify the issue. Owners will need to visit dealerships for a software update, as the remedy cannot be done over-the-air. The company is committed to addressing the problem promptly and ensuring the safety of its customers.
### Future of Mercedes’ EV Lineup
While the current recall is a setback for Mercedes’ EV lineup, the company is still moving forward with its plans for electric vehicles. The rollout of EQ-branded dedicated EVs began with the EQS sedan in 2022, and Mercedes is making improvements to the lineup with features like a heat pump and better braking for the 2025 model year.
### Challenges Ahead
However, the future of Mercedes’ EV lineup faces challenges, including a delay in EV targets that could keep combustion engines in the lineup until the 2030s. The company has also reportedly shelved a range-extended EV project that was in testing with EQS-based prototypes. Changes to the EQ badging for EVs are also in the works, with a possible shift to a new naming convention such as “G 580 with EQ Technology” for electric models.
In conclusion, while the recall of Mercedes-Benz EVs due to a battery management system software issue is a cause for concern, the company is taking steps to address the problem and ensure the safety of its customers. As the EV market continues to evolve, Mercedes is committed to offering innovative and reliable electric vehicles to meet the needs of consumers.