Recall for luxury EVs hit by power-loss software glitch

Three luxury electric vehicles have been recalled in Australia due to a software error that could leave drivers without power.

More than 140 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were recalled as part of the government warning on Tuesday, four months after other Mercedes-Benz electric cars were recalled in the United States.

The issue comes two weeks after another high-end electric car, the Porsche Taycan, faced a recall because of an issue with its battery protection.

Mercedes-Benz EQS 53, EQS 450 and EQS 500 models sold between 2021 and 2022 were flagged in the latest recall that affected 143 cars.

“Due to a software issue, the electric vehicle drivetrain system may deactivate resulting in a loss of motive power,” the federal transport department said.

“A loss of motive power whilst driving increases the risk of an accident, causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.”

Vehicle owners are advised to contact a Mercedes-Benz dealership to have the issue fixed.

In July, some electric cars from Mercedes-Benz were recalled in the US, including the EQS 450 model, due to a software glitch in the car’s electronic stability program.

More than 8000 vehicles were affected by the US recall after the brand investigated two reports of the malfunction in October last year.

AAP