E/W214: Charging E53
Senior Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 396
Likes: 90
I am almost certain it can work with whole house generators. The issue you're going to run into is that for you to change the monitored circuit for EV management will need to be altered and its limit changed depending on whether you're using grid (you can use panel limit) or generator (you must use generator limit). This requires a config change and that requires a PIN which is meant to be locked out by your electrician. Also, every time you change it, it gets logged and an email generated that you have changed it.
A separate issue is that I'd rather not charge the EV using the generator unless I give it a one-time permission. I'd rather save the generator fuel for the house. It is also more efficient for the utility to generate electricity. On the PHEV, I can wait to charge the car until the grid is up. I could see a potential with the grid out that I would want to charge the EV using the generator to get some range on the car when the gas pumps are down due to the electrical outage.
I'd like to have a device that senses that the house is powered from the grid and turns off the EV charger circuit unless I override it. It is an edge case, but I would be interested in such a product.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 396
Likes: 90
Picked up my wife's E53 Wagon on 12/31. We've been limited to 110V/Level 1 charging so far. Installing a Level 2 charger in the garage next week; will work better for her usage...several short trips during the day.
The posted PDFs are helpful. Should we have received some sort of PHEV manual with the car? I went through all of the paperwork and there was:
1. Standard E-Class owners manual. I didn't see any PHEV/charging information.
2. Quick Overview Guide
3. Maintenance manual/logbook
4. Very limited manual with the included Webasto charging cable pack (sort of a short pictorial of the two plugs and then legalese).
I think we have everything figured out but I do want to make sure we have a complete set of manuals...for the next guy.
The posted PDFs are helpful. Should we have received some sort of PHEV manual with the car? I went through all of the paperwork and there was:
1. Standard E-Class owners manual. I didn't see any PHEV/charging information.
2. Quick Overview Guide
3. Maintenance manual/logbook
4. Very limited manual with the included Webasto charging cable pack (sort of a short pictorial of the two plugs and then legalese).
I think we have everything figured out but I do want to make sure we have a complete set of manuals...for the next guy.
- Open the outside charging door by pressing on the center, similar to how you open the door for filling a Mercedes with gasoline.
- Push a button by the charger port to open the charger socket cover.
- Insert the charger connector until in clicks in place. Make sure the cable is not in tension.
The second question I had was "how do I stop charging?" You can see the process for stopping charging to the car here: Ending the AC charging process (level 1/2) | E-Class Wagon July 2025 S214 MBUX | Owner's Manual. Here's a summary of how to stop charging.
- If the car reaches its target state of charge, it will stop charging.
- If you press the "Cancel charging button near the charging socket, it will stop charging
- If you use the "stop charging" button in the EV charger app, it will stop charging.
- Once charging is stopped, press and hold the button on the charger connector to remove it from the charging socket.
- Close the socket cover and flap
- The locking status lamp on the left will be white if the charging cable is locked to the vehicle. The upper curve socket light will light up the socket and match with the locking status lamp.
- The charging progress lamp, which is matched by the lower arc over the socket:
- will be green if the charging process is complete
- flashes green if charging is in process
- orange if there is a charging break (charging started but didn't complete but hasn't reached target SoC0
- flashes orange if the connection is being established
- flashes red if charging is not possible due to malfunction
Here are some setting options:
- You can setup three separate charging programs. You can save your home GPS position and associate it to one of the charging programs.
- If you are charging on level three fast charger, you can choose to charge at up to 20 kW (the default) or do a one-time override to charge at 60 kW.
- You can set the departure time. This will coordinate with the vehicle's pre-entry clime controls to heat or cool the cabin by the time of departure. The charging time will be optimized for the departure time.
- You can enter charging breaks, if for example, you don't want to charge at utility peak times.
- You can change the charging power.
- You can set the maximum charge level
At first glance it may appear that there are a number of options. In practice, you plug the charging connector into the socket to charge. Then you end charging (via the car button, app, full charge, etc.) Then you remove the charging cable and holster it in the charger. It is quicker than using a gas pump in everyday usage.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 971
Likes: 182
From: DFW, TX
2014 E350 Wagon, 2025 GLC 350e, 2026 E53 Wagon
This can be easily managed with Home Assistant using Emporia sensors.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2026 Mercedes Benz GLC 350e, 2026 AMG E53 Wagon
We ordered an AMG E53 wagon and GLC 350e and will be looking to install a Level 2 EV Charger mounted outside (since we park outdoors). The Tesla Universal
Charger gets good reviews - especially for very cold weather conditions we get in southern Ontario. The long 24 ft. cable is thin and not subject to stiffness when cold
and will reach both cars in the driveway.
That said, I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has made the same choice and how the Tesla Universal charger works with the M-B PHEV's. If you made a different
choice - and charge in a cold weather climate - I'm interested in your reasoning.
Thanks,
Herb...
Charger gets good reviews - especially for very cold weather conditions we get in southern Ontario. The long 24 ft. cable is thin and not subject to stiffness when cold
and will reach both cars in the driveway.
That said, I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has made the same choice and how the Tesla Universal charger works with the M-B PHEV's. If you made a different
choice - and charge in a cold weather climate - I'm interested in your reasoning.
Thanks,
Herb...
Super Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 513
Likes: 208
From: New York, NY
2026 E53 wagon
We ordered an AMG E53 wagon and GLC 350e and will be looking to install a Level 2 EV Charger mounted outside (since we park outdoors). The Tesla Universal
Charger gets good reviews - especially for very cold weather conditions we get in southern Ontario. The long 24 ft. cable is thin and not subject to stiffness when cold
and will reach both cars in the driveway.
That said, I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has made the same choice and how the Tesla Universal charger works with the M-B PHEV's. If you made a different
choice - and charge in a cold weather climate - I'm interested in your reasoning.
Thanks,
Herb...
Charger gets good reviews - especially for very cold weather conditions we get in southern Ontario. The long 24 ft. cable is thin and not subject to stiffness when cold
and will reach both cars in the driveway.
That said, I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has made the same choice and how the Tesla Universal charger works with the M-B PHEV's. If you made a different
choice - and charge in a cold weather climate - I'm interested in your reasoning.
Thanks,
Herb...
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2026 Mercedes Benz GLC 350e, 2026 AMG E53 Wagon
One of the reasons for considering the Tesla universal charger is that is is compatible for both charging protocols - no adapter needed as it's built into the handle.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 540
From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
I purchased the Tesla EVSE during the short period that it was offered with a J1772 connector. The newer universal one is definitely the one to get. I have used this version often at hotel destination chargers. Like all of the Tesla EVSEs, it is a very elegant design. You won't be disappointed with it.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 540
From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
Super Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 513
Likes: 208
From: New York, NY
2026 E53 wagon
I used a Grizzl-E EVSE for about a year with my Taycan. It got stuck in the Taycan port three times. Although that was probably because of the lame brain computer in the Taycan. The Grizzl-E is known for durability, but the cable is cumbersome and the design is outright ugly compared to the Tesla Universal EVSE.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2026 Mercedes Benz GLC 350e, 2026 AMG E53 Wagon
I'm more concerned with cold weather performance, like during temperatures we're getting now (-15 to -20 degrees Celcius). While the Grizzl-e is Canadian, the cables
are known to go stiff during really cold weather - unlike the thinner Tesla cables. Just wondering if anyone has used the Tesla universal during really cold weather.
are known to go stiff during really cold weather - unlike the thinner Tesla cables. Just wondering if anyone has used the Tesla universal during really cold weather.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 266
From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
I have ChargePoint level 2, outside installation, but within a housing like this.
Chicago weather with charging overnight at below zero Fahrenheit temperatures with no effect on charge times, cable flexibility, etc. Compatible with MB and Subaru EV - and future proof as Tesla compatible cable is a $99 swap.
Chicago weather with charging overnight at below zero Fahrenheit temperatures with no effect on charge times, cable flexibility, etc. Compatible with MB and Subaru EV - and future proof as Tesla compatible cable is a $99 swap.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 396
Likes: 90
I'm more concerned with cold weather performance, like during temperatures we're getting now (-15 to -20 degrees Celcius). While the Grizzl-e is Canadian, the cables
are known to go stiff during really cold weather - unlike the thinner Tesla cables. Just wondering if anyone has used the Tesla universal during really cold weather.
are known to go stiff during really cold weather - unlike the thinner Tesla cables. Just wondering if anyone has used the Tesla universal during really cold weather.
If you want really pliable cables in the winter, a rubberized cable that gets high ratings on State of Charge will be the best. However, by the looks of the Tesla cable on the video, it performed very well, due to the thinness of the cable. I would be happy with the Tesla Univeral Wall charger in the winter in my location in in the North East US. In Canada, cold weather cable pliability may be more of a consideration.
I have the Autel MaxiCharger. The reviewer on State of Charge says the Autel is a great charger but the cold weather performance of the cable is really bad. My Autel cable is noticeably stiffer at 9 degrees F, but it doesn't bother me because my cable run to the car is about 4 feet, so I'm not coiling cable on a daily basis. If I was using a longer cable run, a cable that was easier to coil in the winter would be a strong selling point.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 394
On the subject of charging, I need to rant. Maybe I am missing something, but this is ridiculous:
- Why is the default charging program 'standard'? I would think the vast majority of cars are being charged at home the vast majority of the time.
- Why doesn't the charging program automatically default to 'home' when parked at home? Yes, it briefly offers a screen prompt, but generally I am occupied by other things pulling into the driveway.
- Why can't the charging pauses be programmed by day? Certainly this metropolis of 17m is not the only place where time-of-use metering is different on weekdays and weekends.
- Why are the charging pauses not linked to charging programs? Obviously a 'home' program will have different pauses than a 'standard' or 'work' program.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 540
From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
On the subject of charging, I need to rant. Maybe I am missing something, but this is ridiculous:
- Why is the default charging program 'standard'? I would think the vast majority of cars are being charged at home the vast majority of the time.
- Why doesn't the charging program automatically default to 'home' when parked at home? Yes, it briefly offers a screen prompt, but generally I am occupied by other things pulling into the driveway.
- Why can't the charging pauses be programmed by day? Certainly this metropolis of 17m is not the only place where time-of-use metering is different on weekdays and weekends.
- Why are the charging pauses not linked to charging programs? Obviously a 'home' program will have different pauses than a 'standard' or 'work' program.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 396
Likes: 90
On the subject of charging, I need to rant. Maybe I am missing something, but this is ridiculous:
- Why is the default charging program 'standard'? I would think the vast majority of cars are being charged at home the vast majority of the time.
- Why doesn't the charging program automatically default to 'home' when parked at home? Yes, it briefly offers a screen prompt, but generally I am occupied by other things pulling into the driveway.
- Why can't the charging pauses be programmed by day? Certainly this metropolis of 17m is not the only place where time-of-use metering is different on weekdays and weekends.
- Why are the charging pauses not linked to charging programs? Obviously a 'home' program will have different pauses than a 'standard' or 'work' program.
I think the charging program is reverting to standard after the charging completes. I was assuming the selected charging program would remain in place until a different charging program was selected.
When I tried to enter charging pauses to exclude peak times, it saved the pause as 12:00am-12:00am which means that it is always paused. I got into the car the next day to find that it hadn't charged at all.
My workarounds are:
1) Change the standard program to be my home program settings. If I want to program an alternate SOC target, I change the home program and select the home program
2) I press the charge options button on the center console before charging for the day to review the charging plan for the night.
2) Use my utility to charge only off-peak so I don't need to program charging pauses. (This option is probably not available to most people.)
Senior Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 396
Likes: 90
Senior Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 396
Likes: 90
Mercedes may have botched the turn signal indicators by hiding them behind the steering wheel, but the interface to what's happening with the electric motor, traction battery and combustion engine is a great design.
Since the driving experience is so good, I can forgive the issues that @Alan Smithee mentioned. I'm betting that Mercedes will fix those issues in future software releases because they are obvious to anyone who charges the car.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 396
Likes: 90
It seems like the power display from regen to electric motor to combustion engine RPM was designed by a race car driver with Ph.D's in mechanical engineering and human factors.
Then his drunk cousin who plays Angry Birds 6 hours a day at work placed the turn signal indicators on the display and wrote the charging program program.
Then his drunk cousin who plays Angry Birds 6 hours a day at work placed the turn signal indicators on the display and wrote the charging program program.
Last edited by Mercuccio; Feb 8, 2026 at 02:57 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 540
From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
It seems like the power display from regen to electric motor to combustion engine RPM was designed by a race car driver with Ph.D's in mechanical engineering and human factors.
Then his drunk cousin who plays Angry Birds 6 hours a day at work placed the turn signal indicators on the display and wrote the charging program program.
Then his drunk cousin who plays Angry Birds 6 hours a day at work placed the turn signal indicators on the display and wrote the charging program program.
