Summary
- Mercedes-Benz EVs can now charge at 20,000 Tesla Supercharger stations in the U.S.
- Access will be enabled through a software update installed by dealerships.
- Adapters cost $185 and will be available in the U.S. this quarter.
- Mercedes plans to build Tesla NACS ports into new vehicles for North American markets.
- A fast-charging network joint venture aims for 30,000 chargers across North America.
Article
Mercedes-Benz has announced that starting in February, their electric vehicles will have access to 20,000 Tesla Supercharger stations in the U.S. The access will be enabled via a software update that will need to be installed by dealerships, rather than over-the-air. Customers will be contacted by Mercedes to schedule this update, which will preserve the plug-and-charge capability and allow Superchargers to show up on the Mercedes app and infotainment systems. Adapters for the Superchargers will cost $185 and will be available in the U.S. this quarter, with availability in Canada coming in Q2. Mercedes expects drivers in both countries to have access to about 20,000 Supercharger stations.
Mercedes plans to build Tesla NACS ports into new vehicles for North American markets starting this year. So far, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the only non-Tesla EV on sale with a NACS port, but it charges slower with it. This is due to most Tesla Superchargers not currently being able to charge at 800-volt peak rates, which does not apply to the 400-volt Mercedes EVs currently on the road. Mercedes made the switch to NACS in July 2023, alongside working on their own fast-charging network. The first location featuring 400-kw DC fast chargers provided by ChargePoint opened in Georgia in November 2023. Mercedes is also part of the Ionna charging network joint venture, aiming to have 30,000 chargers across North America, with the first site scheduled to open later this year.
Mercedes-Benz’s decision to open access to Tesla Supercharger stations is part of a larger trend among automakers in the electric vehicle market. As more brands work to establish their own fast-charging infrastructure, partnerships with established networks like Tesla’s Supercharger network become increasingly important. Mercedes’ move follows their shift to NACS ports and the development of fast-charging networks in collaboration with other automakers, reflecting their commitment to expanding and improving electric vehicle infrastructure in North America. By providing access to Tesla Supercharger stations, Mercedes is offering their EV customers greater convenience and flexibility when it comes to charging their vehicles.
The availability of Tesla Supercharger access for Mercedes electric vehicles marks a significant milestone for the EV market, as customers will now have access to an extensive network of high-speed charging stations across the U.S. and Canada. The inclusion of Supercharger compatibility in new Mercedes vehicles will further enhance the charging experience for drivers, allowing for seamless and efficient charging on the go. While the initial rollout of NACS ports in Mercedes vehicles may result in slower charging speeds compared to Tesla vehicles, the continued expansion of fast-charging infrastructure in collaboration with other automakers will help address this issue and improve charging capabilities for all EV drivers.
Overall, Mercedes-Benz’s decision to open access to Tesla Supercharger stations reflects a strategic approach to enhancing the charging experience for their electric vehicle customers. By leveraging partnerships with established networks like Tesla’s Supercharger network and participating in joint ventures to expand fast-charging infrastructure, Mercedes is actively working to address the challenges associated with EV charging and improve the overall ownership experience for drivers. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow and evolve, initiatives like the opening of Supercharger access for Mercedes EVs play a crucial role in driving adoption and advancing the development of sustainable transportation solutions. By embracing collaboration and innovation in the charging infrastructure space, Mercedes is positioning itself as a leader in the transition to electric mobility and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
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