Mercedes To Integrate With Tesla’s North American Charging Standard System

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its plans to integrate Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) system into its electric vehicles (EVs) in North America, beginning in 2025. As a first step, the company will introduce an adaptor in 2024, enabling its existing Combined Charging System (CCS) EVs to charge on the NACS network. This integration will grant Mercedes drivers access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, consisting of 12,000 charging stations spread across North America.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its ambition to establish its high-power charging network in North America. The company aims to have 400 charging hubs equipped with 2,500 high-power chargers in operation by the end of the decade. The first charging hubs are slated to become operational by the close of 2023, offering both CCS1 and NACS plugs for compatibility.

Including North America, Mercedes-Benz plans to develop 2,000 charging hubs across key markets such as Europe, China, and others by the end of the decade. These hubs will provide a total of 10,000 charging points, with the potential for further expansion based on the demands of the market. Notably, the charging hubs will be accessible to EVs from all brands, promoting interoperability and convenience for electric vehicle owners.

Tesla Setting the EV Charging Standard

Mercedes-Benz is the latest addition to a growing list of electric vehicle manufacturers, including Ford, GM, Volvo, and Rivian, that have committed to integrating Tesla’s North American Charging Standard system into their electric cars. This collective decision stems from the recognition that while numerous US states are pushing for electric vehicle adoption, there are still extensive stretches of highways lacking the necessary charging infrastructure to make EVs a viable option for many Americans.

In November of the previous year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk extended an invitation to other EV manufacturers to develop vehicles that could utilize Tesla’s charging ports. Ford responded in May by announcing that its vehicles would gain access to Tesla’s expansive EV charging network. Subsequently, Rivian and GM also joined the group.

Apart from Mercedes-Benz’s announcement of being the first German automaker to incorporate the NACS ports into its upcoming electric vehicle models, the company also plans to provide a plug adapter for vehicles equipped with the Combined Charging System (CCS) that were manufactured prior to 2025. Notably, while most other EV manufacturers, including General Motors, Audi, and Rivian, utilize CCS chargers, charging stations of Tesla outnumber CCS stations across the United States.