View Poll Results: Has anyone had this same type of problem?
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48-volt battery
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2020
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From: Delray Beach FLORIDA
GLE 450
48-volt battery
The 48v battery went dead after 230 miles on my new ‘21 GLE450. Could not be jumped and had to be towed. No replacement batteries in the US. My SUV remains at the dealership awaiting a new battery from Germany due 1.11.2021. Unbelievable. That will have my vehicle out of use for >30 days. So frustrating that Mercedes can do no better - roadside support and customer care ends after the tow truck arrives.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 30
From: Florida
2026 BMW 550e X DRIVE, 2024 GLE 450e SUV
My car is also at Delray Mercedes for the same 48 volt battery problem. It's been 3 weeks now. They had to drag the car out of my garage. Not a happy camper...
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
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From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,066
Likes: 2,219
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 33
Likes: 10
From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
2020 GLE450
The 48v battery went dead after 230 miles on my new ‘21 GLE450. Could not be jumped and had to be towed. No replacement batteries in the US. My SUV remains at the dealership awaiting a new battery from Germany due 1.11.2021. Unbelievable. That will have my vehicle out of use for >30 days. So frustrating that Mercedes can do no better - roadside support and customer care ends after the tow truck arrives.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 103
2021 GLE 450
Wonder if I should cancel my order due in March for the GLE 450?
It seems BMW/Audi are also going on this 48 volt system.
This is really disheartening to hear of these battery problems.
Maybe I'm better getting a Ford truck
Toban
It seems BMW/Audi are also going on this 48 volt system.
This is really disheartening to hear of these battery problems.
Maybe I'm better getting a Ford truck
Toban
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,066
Likes: 2,219
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
The VW Group, BMW and FCA (including RAM trucks) all use 48v, some optional - but they are belt-driven. 48v is the future of ancillary power systems.
There is a Standard that 60V or above needs additional safety features, and 48V systems can charge at up to 52V, so the 48V batteries are the sweet spot for cost-effectiveness.
Right now, M-B is the only manufacturer using the inline starter-generator. It's the simplest and most efficient of the current (!) systems. And, as I understand, the 4:1 and 1:4 voltage conversion emit less electrical Noise that other voltages, needing less shielding.
Expect a widespread adoption of 48v systems in the near future, as fuel economy and clean air regs get tighter.
And the fuel savings are real. I have spent a month in a GLE450, two weeks in a GLE350, and own a GLC300 - the last two have the 2.0L four. Guess what - in normal driving, I get essentially the same mpg in all the above, perhaps a bit more with the GLE450. That's saying a lot, especially because I am somewhat tempted to enjoy the smooth acceleration of the straight six. I.e. bury my foot more, in the 450.
The added EQ Boost is real, and regenerative braking is smooth, probably saving brakes, and the elimination of drive belts free up significant power to the wheels.
I know that M-B had a setback, when Tesla bought M-B's main battery supplier and violated the development/supply contract that they had. The CEO of that company (can't remember its name right now) was fired when he wanted to honor the legal contract. This made me realize just how ruthless E. Musk is, and probably just how ruthless the future of electric cars and autonomous driving will become.
There is a Standard that 60V or above needs additional safety features, and 48V systems can charge at up to 52V, so the 48V batteries are the sweet spot for cost-effectiveness.
Right now, M-B is the only manufacturer using the inline starter-generator. It's the simplest and most efficient of the current (!) systems. And, as I understand, the 4:1 and 1:4 voltage conversion emit less electrical Noise that other voltages, needing less shielding.
Expect a widespread adoption of 48v systems in the near future, as fuel economy and clean air regs get tighter.
And the fuel savings are real. I have spent a month in a GLE450, two weeks in a GLE350, and own a GLC300 - the last two have the 2.0L four. Guess what - in normal driving, I get essentially the same mpg in all the above, perhaps a bit more with the GLE450. That's saying a lot, especially because I am somewhat tempted to enjoy the smooth acceleration of the straight six. I.e. bury my foot more, in the 450.
The added EQ Boost is real, and regenerative braking is smooth, probably saving brakes, and the elimination of drive belts free up significant power to the wheels.
I know that M-B had a setback, when Tesla bought M-B's main battery supplier and violated the development/supply contract that they had. The CEO of that company (can't remember its name right now) was fired when he wanted to honor the legal contract. This made me realize just how ruthless E. Musk is, and probably just how ruthless the future of electric cars and autonomous driving will become.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 103
2021 GLE 450
The VW Group, BMW and FCA (including RAM trucks) all use 48v, some optional - but they are belt-driven. 48v is the future of ancillary power systems.
There is a Standard that 60V or above needs additional safety features, and 48V systems can charge at up to 52V, so the 48V batteries are the sweet spot for cost-effectiveness.
Right now, M-B is the only manufacturer using the inline starter-generator. It's the simplest and most efficient of the current (!) systems. And, as I understand, the 4:1 and 1:4 voltage conversion emit less electrical Noise that other voltages, needing less shielding.
Expect a widespread adoption of 48v systems in the near future, as fuel economy and clean air regs get tighter.
And the fuel savings are real. I have spent a month in a GLE450, two weeks in a GLE350, and own a GLC300 - the last two have the 2.0L four. Guess what - in normal driving, I get essentially the same mpg in all the above, perhaps a bit more with the GLE450. That's saying a lot, especially because I am somewhat tempted to enjoy the smooth acceleration of the straight six. I.e. bury my foot more, in the 450.
The added EQ Boost is real, and regenerative braking is smooth, probably saving brakes, and the elimination of drive belts free up significant power to the wheels.
I know that M-B had a setback, when Tesla bought M-B's main battery supplier and violated the development/supply contract that they had. The CEO of that company (can't remember its name right now) was fired when he wanted to honor the legal contract. This made me realize just how ruthless E. Musk is, and probably just how ruthless the future of electric cars and autonomous driving will become.
There is a Standard that 60V or above needs additional safety features, and 48V systems can charge at up to 52V, so the 48V batteries are the sweet spot for cost-effectiveness.
Right now, M-B is the only manufacturer using the inline starter-generator. It's the simplest and most efficient of the current (!) systems. And, as I understand, the 4:1 and 1:4 voltage conversion emit less electrical Noise that other voltages, needing less shielding.
Expect a widespread adoption of 48v systems in the near future, as fuel economy and clean air regs get tighter.
And the fuel savings are real. I have spent a month in a GLE450, two weeks in a GLE350, and own a GLC300 - the last two have the 2.0L four. Guess what - in normal driving, I get essentially the same mpg in all the above, perhaps a bit more with the GLE450. That's saying a lot, especially because I am somewhat tempted to enjoy the smooth acceleration of the straight six. I.e. bury my foot more, in the 450.
The added EQ Boost is real, and regenerative braking is smooth, probably saving brakes, and the elimination of drive belts free up significant power to the wheels.
I know that M-B had a setback, when Tesla bought M-B's main battery supplier and violated the development/supply contract that they had. The CEO of that company (can't remember its name right now) was fired when he wanted to honor the legal contract. This made me realize just how ruthless E. Musk is, and probably just how ruthless the future of electric cars and autonomous driving will become.
Toban
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Thanks for your reply. I live about 2 hours from my dealer. I’m now concerned if the 48 V battery dies and I can’t boost it with a charger to get it going, I may be stranded with no vehicle. Not sure how reliable this system will be for me. The dealer of course says there has been no issues.
Toban
Toban
We have one individual continually running the Mercedes GLE down posting the same crap. His dealer wouldn’t repair an oil leak (on an older car) to his satisfaction so now he jumps at the chance to cheerlead against the brand. IMO, ignore his posts and look for facts.
Edit: There is a Mercedes me notice when the 12 volt gets low on charge but I don’t know if it’s also going to work on the 48V Lithium. Other Lithium batteries I’ve used in tools just die when discharged vs NMH that get too weak to function but still have a little power.
Last edited by Ron.s; Dec 21, 2020 at 08:41 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,066
Likes: 2,219
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Can you expand on that?
My understanding is that you can jump start, or trickle charge the 48v battery via the 12v posts under the hood. What I have seen, is that there is a 12V to 48V converter in the system to do just that.
What info do you have that is different?
Thanks. We are all learning these new technologies together.
My understanding is that you can jump start, or trickle charge the 48v battery via the 12v posts under the hood. What I have seen, is that there is a 12V to 48V converter in the system to do just that.
What info do you have that is different?
Thanks. We are all learning these new technologies together.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 30
From: Florida
2026 BMW 550e X DRIVE, 2024 GLE 450e SUV
I had MB roadside assistance at my home. He tried to jump it to no avail. He then called over to the dealer and was told that when the 48V battery goes the car cannot be jumped or driven.. In fact it cannot even be put in neutral and had to be dragged out of my garage with wedges under my back tires.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,066
Likes: 2,219
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,066
Likes: 2,219
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
<snip>
I know that M-B had a setback, when Tesla bought M-B's main battery supplier and violated the development/supply contract that they had. The CEO of that company (can't remember its name right now) was fired when he wanted to honor the legal contract. This made me realize just how ruthless E. Musk is, and probably just how ruthless the future of electric cars and autonomous driving will become.
I know that M-B had a setback, when Tesla bought M-B's main battery supplier and violated the development/supply contract that they had. The CEO of that company (can't remember its name right now) was fired when he wanted to honor the legal contract. This made me realize just how ruthless E. Musk is, and probably just how ruthless the future of electric cars and autonomous driving will become.
https://insideevs.com/news/334183/te...ash-with-musk/
Hopefully Daimler will transcend Tesla in battery tech - word is that they are on track to do just that.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 103
2021 GLE 450
Now, I’m new at this like everyone else but I did talk to the head mechanic at the dealership and he confirmed when the car is running, the generator charges the 48V battery and the 12V AGM battery together. He said if you put a battery charger on the charging posts it will place a charge on the AGM through the converter and charge the 48v lithium lion battery too. I’m now trying to find out if a special charger is needed.
I hope this is right because It would be very disappointing to be spending this much on a problematic system.
I hope MB gets it right in January as this is when my car goes into production.
thanks for you comments and anything else people find out would be appreciated.
Toban
I hope this is right because It would be very disappointing to be spending this much on a problematic system.
I hope MB gets it right in January as this is when my car goes into production.
thanks for you comments and anything else people find out would be appreciated.
Toban
Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 81
Likes: 22
From: Outside St Louis, MO
'20 GLE 450, Silverado 3500
I believe (page 584 of the owner's manual) that the AGM battery charges the 48-volt lithium battery via the voltage converter. The charger you buy should be AGM battery compatible. CTEK makes them.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Can you expand on that?
My understanding is that you can jump start, or trickle charge the 48v battery via the 12v posts under the hood. What I have seen, is that there is a 12V to 48V converter in the system to do just that.
What info do you have that is different?
Thanks. We are all learning these new technologies together.
My understanding is that you can jump start, or trickle charge the 48v battery via the 12v posts under the hood. What I have seen, is that there is a 12V to 48V converter in the system to do just that.
What info do you have that is different?
Thanks. We are all learning these new technologies together.
