‘I’ve Towed My Car to Mercedes About 15 Times:’ Man Shares What He Wishes He Knew Before Buying

A viral TikTok video shows a frustrated Mercedes EV owner venting about long charging waits, public network confusion, and repeated breakdowns. But behind the complaints lies a more basic problem: What looks like an EV failure is often just a research failure. In the case of Shakeel Simmons (@keelsim22), it’s both—and his dealer didn’t help.

His rant captures a truth EV insiders know well: What looks like an EV failure is often just a research failure. In Simmons’s case, it’s both.

The clip shows Simmons driving a Mercedes loaner vehicle after yet another service visit. He doesn’t specify what model he originally purchased, but says he's had to tow it to the dealership “about 15 times” for electrical issues. While the claim is impossible to verify, the tone is unmistakable: regret and disbelief.

“It [is] a crazy hassle to have this electric vehicle if you don't do your research … and if you don't get a charger installed in your house,” he says in the video. “These are all things I wish somebody had told me before I got an electric vehicle.”

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The list of complaints begins with public charging: long queues, buggy apps, and confusion over station setup. These problems are real, but they’re also not new or unexpected. Anyone familiar with non-Tesla EV ownership knows public charging still lacks the seamless experience of Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Charging station apps, broken plugs, and account setups are part of the current state of the U.S. infrastructure. Simmons admits he didn’t install a home charger, which has become a basic requirement for most EV buyers. That’s like buying a high-end espresso machine and skipping the water hookup.

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When your EV has a rated range of around 220 miles, without convenient home charging, short-range EVs quickly become inconvenient for daily use, even for simple errands or commutes.

This wasn’t a car problem. It was a mismatch between the product and the buyer’s expectations.

What the Dealer Should Have Told Him

If Simmons walked into the dealership looking for a cheap lease, the sales team should have reined in their enthusiasm instead of handing over the keys. Their failure to explain the basics contributed to this mess, and while the buyer bears responsibility for his lack of preparation, so does the Mercedes dealership for not explaining the realities of EV life.

At a minimum, a responsible dealer should have walked through:

• Charging realities: Unlike Tesla’s streamlined system, most public chargers require setup, payment apps, and patience.
• Home charging importance: Without a Level 2 charger at home, daily charging can be a logistical hassle.
• Range math: A 220-mile EV isn't ideal for people who drive long distances or lack reliable access to overnight charging.
• Early-production issues: Like many first-generation EVs, early Mercedes EQ models have had more service visits and software issues than gas vehicles.

Instead, it appears Simmons got a flashy luxury car and was left to figure out the fine print on his own.

The other part of Simmons’s rant about frequent breakdowns warrants scrutiny. While the exact number of service visits is unverified, the Mercedes EQS sedan has faced multiple recalls over the past two years, including software failures, drivetrain quirks, and emergency system malfunctions. According to NHTSA data, EQS models from 2022 to 2024 have been subject to nearly a dozen recalls related to electronics and safety systems.

Electrical gremlins aren’t unique to Mercedes, but expectations run higher at the luxury end of the market, especially when buyers are spending upward of $100,000. And while many automakers have improved remote diagnostics and OTA fixes, not every dealer is equipped to handle EV repairs efficiently.

Most EV Owners Are Still Happy

Simmons’s story might resonate with new or hesitant shoppers, but he’s not the norm. According to the 2025 J.D. Power Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study, 94% of current EV owners say they’re likely to buy another EV in the future, and only 12% are considering going back to gas.

Still, that satisfaction comes with a caveat: Owning an EV requires preparation. Brands like Hyundai and Kia continue to excel in the mass-market segment thanks to their longer ranges, lower prices and improved customer education. Premium brands, including Mercedes, often lag behind—not necessarily on technology but on delivering value and consistency.

Public charging is slowly improving. Thanks to new partnerships and Tesla’s ongoing effort to open up its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs, J.D. Power found that charging satisfaction among mass-market EV owners rose year over year. But for luxury buyers, expectations are higher, and the experience still often disappoints.

Simmons’s TikTok is instructive. For anyone considering an EV, there are three key takeaways:

• Have a charging plan: Without home charging, even a luxury EV can become a daily headache. Know your access options before buying.
• Understand your network: Tesla’s Superchargers are the gold standard, but most other public options require apps, credit cards, and time.
• Pick a dealer who educates: You’re not just buying a car; you’re entering a new ownership model. The right dealer makes all the difference.

Simmons’s video may have gone viral, but what it really shows is how not to buy an EV. Whether a luxury badge or not, electric vehicles still require common sense and the right support.

InsideEVs reached out to Simmons via direct message.

 

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