Mercedes-Benz is making significant strides in enhancing the charging experience for its electric vehicle (EV) customers. Starting in February 2025, drivers of Mercedes-Benz battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the United States will gain access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network, encompassing over 20,000 stations across the United States and Canada. Canadian drivers will gain access later in 2025. This move marks a pivotal moment in the electric vehicle landscape, promising greater convenience and accessibility for Mercedes-Benz EV owners.
This strategic integration will incorporate the Tesla Supercharger network into the Mercedes me Charge service. This integration ensures a seamless “Plug & Charge” experience at Tesla Superchargers for Mercedes-Benz drivers, simplifying the charging process considerably. For owners of current CCS1-compatible Mercedes-Benz EVs, a North American Charging Standard (NACS) to CCS1 adapter will be made available at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz will begin to equip its electric vehicle lineup with native North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports, starting in 2025.
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) emphasizes that this initiative reflects its ongoing dedication to building a comprehensive charging ecosystem. The goal is to provide Mercedes-Benz EV customers with a fast, convenient, and user-friendly charging and payment experience, regardless of where they choose to charge their vehicles.
Dimitris Psillakis, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, stated, “As our portfolio of technologically advanced and highly compelling all-electric vehicles expands, we recognize that easy access to a broad charging network is crucial for a smooth ownership experience. Adopting the NACS standard in our EVs and opening the Tesla Supercharger network to our BEV customers is a significant step forward. We are committed to building a robust foundation for bringing more game-changing all-electric vehicles to market and, together with our dealer partners, to reimagining the future of mobility in the luxury segment.”
Industry-Leading Charging Convenience
The integration of the Tesla Supercharger network into Mercedes me Charge significantly enhances Mercedes-Benz’s already robust charging service. Mercedes me Charge already provides access to various charging networks, including Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging, IONNA, Electrify America, EVGo, and ChargePoint.
Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, highlighted the customer-centric approach, “By granting our customers access to Tesla Superchargers in North America, we are reinforcing our commitment to offering the most comprehensive charging options possible. The rapidly growing network of charging points available through Mercedes me Charge will now exceed 110,000 public charging points across the United States and Canada. This expansion ensures Mercedes-Benz drivers enjoy an industry-leading charging experience, whenever and wherever they need to charge.”
Mercedes-Benz BEV drivers will benefit from the “Plug & Charge” functionality at Tesla Superchargers. This feature streamlines the charging process by automatically initiating the charging session as soon as the vehicle is plugged in and managing payments seamlessly in the background upon completion. To ensure smooth “Plug & Charge” operation at Tesla Superchargers, a complimentary software update will be provided to all compatible vehicles through authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Customers with eligible vehicles will be contacted to schedule their update. Charging can also be initiated via the Mercedes-Benz app or the vehicle’s MBUX infotainment system.
Tesla Superchargers will be incorporated into Mercedes-Benz’s “Navigation with Electric Intelligence” system. This intelligent navigation feature optimizes routes by directing 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 for all charging points within the network, accessible through both the Mercedes-Benz app and the MBUX infotainment system.
Adapter Solution for Current EV Owners
Recognizing the needs of current Mercedes-Benz EV owners with CCS1-compatible charging ports, Mercedes-Benz will release a certified NACS to CCS1 DC fast charging adapter. This adapter will enable existing vehicles to utilize Tesla Superchargers. The adapter will be available for purchase at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the United States in Q1 2025 for $185, and in Canadian dealerships in Q2 2025, with Canadian 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 rigorously tested and certified for safety and full compatibility with all Mercedes-Benz BEVs and any NACS DC fast charging station.
Future-Proofing with Native NACS Integration
Starting in 2025, Mercedes-Benz will begin integrating NACS ports directly into its new electric vehicle lineup for the North American market. This transition to native NACS ports will eliminate the need for an adapter for future Mercedes-Benz EVs when using NACS DC fast charging stations, further enhancing charging convenience for customers.
Mercedes-Benz’s Holistic Charging Ecosystem
The adoption of NACS and the inclusion of the Tesla Supercharger network are the latest advancements in Mercedes-Benz’s comprehensive approach to EV charging. In November 2023, Mercedes-Benz launched its High-Power Charging network in North America. This initiative aims to elevate the public charging experience for all EV drivers, featuring Mercedes-Benz branded 400kW chargers. Locations are already open in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky, with expansion planned to reach half of US states by 2026. Furthermore, the IONNA joint venture, a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and seven other major automakers, is set to open its first charging stations this year. IONNA aims to establish a network of 30,000 high-power charging points across North America to accelerate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
This multi-faceted approach underscores Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to leading the electric vehicle revolution by providing its customers with unparalleled charging access and convenience. The integration of Tesla Superchargers, alongside Mercedes-Benz’s own charging initiatives and participation in IONNA, solidifies its position as a leader in the luxury EV market and demonstrates a clear vision for the future of electric mobility.
