Mercedes-Benz has joined the ranks of automakers planning to adopt Tesla’s charging connector and provide their customers with access to Tesla’s extensive charging network. However, Mercedes intends to proceed with its own premium charging network for its customers alongside this adoption.
In an announcement made on Friday, Mercedes revealed that starting in 2024, owners of Mercedes EVs will be able to utilize the Tesla charging network by using an adapter that enables the connection between their existing Combined Charging Standard (CCS) connector and Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector.
Moreover, Mercedes plans to incorporate the Tesla connector directly into their new EV models in the North American region, beginning in 2025. However, it remains uncertain whether Mercedes will eventually phase out CCS and exclusively utilize the Tesla connector.
While Mercedes is committed to establishing its own charging network, initially announced at the 2023 CES event, the company now intends to incorporate both NACS and CCS connectors into their network. By the end of the decade, the network aims to include 400 “charging hubs” with over 2,500 individual chargers throughout North America. Nevertheless, this network will be significantly smaller in scale compared to Tesla’s existing network, which currently encompasses over 12,000 chargers in North America.
Mercedes’ CEO, Ola Källenius, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing the overall electric vehicle experience for their customers, which includes offering fast, convenient, and reliable charging solutions wherever their Mercedes-Benz vehicles take them.
Other automakers such as Ford and General Motors have also made similar arrangements with Tesla to utilize their charging network, while also planning to incorporate the NACS connector in their future vehicles. Rivian, Volvo, and Polestar have subsequently followed suit. Additionally, Hyundai, Volkswagen Group, and Stellantis have expressed their intentions to potentially adopt a similar approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about charging network
Q: When will Mercedes EV owners be able to use the Tesla charging network?
A: Mercedes EV owners will be able to use the Tesla charging network starting in 2024 with the help of an adapter that allows their existing CCS connector to interface with Tesla’s NACS connector.
Q: Will future Mercedes EV models exclusively use the Tesla connector?
A: While new Mercedes EVs in the North American region will have a Tesla connector built-in starting in 2025, it is unclear whether the company will phase out the CCS connector and exclusively use the Tesla connector.
Q: What are Mercedes’ plans for their own charging network?
A: Mercedes confirmed that they are still planning their own charging network, which will include both NACS and CCS connectors. They aim to establish 400 “charging hubs” with over 2,500 individual chargers in North America by the end of the decade.
Q: How does Mercedes’ charging network compare to Tesla’s?
A: Mercedes’ charging network, though smaller in scale, aims to provide fast, convenient, and reliable charging solutions. It plans to have 400 “charging hubs” and over 2,500 individual chargers, whereas Tesla’s network currently boasts more than 12,000 chargers in North America.
Q: Which other automakers have made similar deals with Tesla?
A: Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Volvo, and Polestar have also made arrangements to use Tesla’s charging network. Additionally, Hyundai, Volkswagen Group, and Stellantis have expressed potential interest in following a similar path.
More about charging network
- Mercedes-Benz Official Website
- Tesla Official Website
- Combined Charging System (CCS)
- North American Charging Standard (NACS)
- Ford Official Website
- General Motors Official Website
- Rivian Official Website
- Volvo Official Website
- Polestar Official Website
- Hyundai Official Website
- Volkswagen Group Official Website
- Stellantis Official Website
10 comments
mercedes is finaly getting with the program by adopting tesla charging but stil want their own network? lol just stick with tesla guys!
having multiple charging options is always a good thing. while tesla’s network is extensive, having mercedes’ own charging network adds more flexibility for their customers. choice is key!
it’s good to see more automakers embracing electric vehicles and working together to provide charging solutions. the more charging options, the better for EV adoption!
i wonder if other automakers will follow in mercedes’ footsteps and adopt tesla’s charging connector. it could create a more standardized charging infrastructure, making it easier for EV owners.
i’m curious to see if mercedes will eventually ditch the CCS connector and go all-in with tesla’s NACS connector. it would streamline the charging process for their customers.
kudos to mercedes for planning their own charging network! it shows their commitment to the EV market and providing convenient charging options for their customers. keep it up!
with more automakers partnering with tesla, it’s clear that tesla’s charging network is setting the standard in the industry. other companies need to step up their game!
tesla’s charging network is the best hands down. mercedes’ charging network is just a tiny fraction of what tesla has. no competition!
the future of transportation is electric, and collaborations like this show that automakers are working together to build a robust charging infrastructure. exciting times ahead!
this is great news! now mercedes EV owners can also benefit from tesla’s charging network, giving them more options on long trips. way to go!