Tesla has announced that Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle drivers will soon have access to its Supercharging Network in the United States. This move comes as part of Tesla’s initiative to open its EV charging infrastructure to other automakers, following a similar agreement with Volkswagen last year.
Starting in February, Mercedes-Benz EV owners in the U.S. will be able to plug in at any Tesla Supercharger station. Canadian drivers will have to wait a bit longer, with access expected to be available later in the year. To facilitate charging at Tesla stations, Mercedes-Benz will offer an official charging adapter for $185, which will be available for purchase in the first quarter of this year.
Mercedes-Benz USA CEO, Dimitris Psillakis, emphasized the importance of providing convenient access to a broad charging network for their electric vehicle customers. He stated that adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and opening up the Tesla Supercharger network are crucial steps in ensuring a seamless ownership experience for their EV drivers.
While the initial requirement for Mercedes-Benz drivers to use an adapter for charging at Tesla Superchargers may seem like an inconvenience, the automaker has plans to integrate the NACS inlet directly into their vehicles in the near future. This change is expected to eliminate the need for adapters and enhance the overall charging experience for Mercedes-Benz EV owners.
As Tesla continues to expand its Supercharging Network and collaborate with other automakers, the future looks promising for electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure development. Stay tuned for more updates on the partnership between Tesla and Mercedes-Benz as they work towards a more sustainable and interconnected electric vehicle ecosystem.