Mercedes-Benz is making a significant stride in enhancing the electric vehicle (EV) ownership experience for its customers in the United States and Canada. Starting in February 2025, drivers of Mercedes-Benz battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will gain access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, encompassing over 20,000 charging points across both countries. This strategic alliance between Mercedes Tesla aims to alleviate charging anxieties and provide Mercedes-Benz EV owners with unparalleled convenience and charging accessibility. Canadian drivers will gain access to the Tesla Supercharger network later in 2025.
This groundbreaking integration will seamlessly incorporate the Tesla Supercharger network into the Mercedes me Charge service. This integration enables “Plug & Charge” functionality at Tesla Superchargers for Mercedes-Benz drivers, streamlining the charging process and eliminating the need for separate charging network memberships or payment methods. To ensure compatibility for current CCS1-equipped Mercedes-Benz EVs, a NACS to CCS1 adapter will be available at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports in its electric vehicle lineup beginning in 2025, ensuring future models can directly utilize the Tesla Supercharger network without any adapters.
Expanding Charging Horizons for Mercedes-Benz Electric Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has officially announced this major expansion of public charging options, signaling a strong commitment to its growing EV customer base. Dimitris Psillakis, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, emphasized the importance of convenient charging access for a seamless EV ownership experience. “Adopting the NACS standard in our electric vehicles and opening the Tesla Supercharger network to our battery electric vehicle customers represents an important step forward,” stated Psillakis. This move is part of Mercedes-Benz’s broader strategy to build a robust foundation for the future of electric mobility and reinforces their dedication to the luxury EV segment.
The inclusion of the Tesla Supercharger network is a significant addition to the Mercedes me Charge service, which already provides access to other major charging networks such as Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging, IONNA, Electrify America, EVGo, and ChargePoint. Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, highlighted this expansion, stating that it will grow the Mercedes me Charge network to over 110,000 public charging points across the United States and Canada. This substantial increase in charging availability solidifies Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to delivering an industry-leading charging experience for its EV drivers, regardless of location.
Seamless Integration and User-Friendly Technology
Mercedes-Benz BEV drivers will benefit from the effortless “Plug & Charge” functionality at Tesla Superchargers. This feature simplifies the charging process by automatically initiating the charging session upon plugging in the vehicle and handling payment processing in the background. To enable this seamless operation, a complimentary software update will be provided to all compatible Mercedes-Benz EVs through authorized dealerships. Customers will be contacted directly to schedule their update appointment. Alternatively, charging can also be initiated via the Mercedes-Benz app or the intuitive MBUX infotainment system.
Furthermore, Tesla Superchargers will be fully integrated into Mercedes-Benz’s “Navigation with Electric Intelligence” system. This intelligent navigation feature optimizes routes by automatically guiding drivers to the most efficient path, factoring in charging stops and charging times. Mercedes me Charge also provides real-time information on charger locations, availability, status, and pricing through both the Mercedes-Benz app and the MBUX system, ensuring drivers have all the necessary information at their fingertips.
Adapter Solution and Future NACS Integration
Recognizing the needs of current Mercedes-Benz EV owners with CCS1-compatible charging ports, Mercedes-Benz will offer a specially approved NACS to CCS1 DC fast charging adapter. This adapter will enable existing vehicles to utilize Tesla Superchargers and will be available for purchase at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the United States in Q1 2025 for $185. Canadian dealerships will offer the adapter in Q2 2025, with pricing to be announced closer to the launch date. Customers will be notified when the adapters become available. Mercedes-Benz emphasizes that this NACS to CCS1 adapter is the only adapter certified for safety and full compatibility with all Mercedes-Benz BEVs and NACS DC fast charging points, ensuring a safe and reliable charging experience.
Looking towards the future, Mercedes-Benz is proactively integrating NACS ports directly into its new electric vehicle lineup starting in 2025 for the North American market. This strategic move eliminates the need for adapters for future Mercedes-Benz EVs, allowing them to seamlessly connect to any NACS DC fast charging point, further enhancing charging convenience for customers.
Mercedes-Benz’s Holistic Approach to EV Charging
The integration of NACS and the Tesla Supercharger network is a key component of Mercedes-Benz’s comprehensive approach to EV charging. In November 2023, Mercedes-Benz launched its High-Power Charging network in North America, deploying Mercedes-Benz-branded 400kW chargers in multiple states with plans to expand to half of US states by 2026. Additionally, the IONNA joint venture, involving Mercedes-Benz and seven other major automakers, is set to launch its first charging stations this year, paving the way for a network of 30,000 high-power charging points across North America. These initiatives, combined with the Tesla Supercharger access, demonstrate Mercedes-Benz’s multi-faceted strategy to build a robust and accessible EV charging ecosystem and accelerate EV adoption.
This collaboration between Mercedes Tesla marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of EV charging infrastructure, promising a more convenient and expansive charging landscape for Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle owners.
