Access to the Tesla Supercharger network is available to battery-electric vehicles, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ (pictured) and the eSprinter, but PHEVs are excluded.
Photo: Automotive Fleet / Chris Brown
Mercedes-Benz recently announced drivers of the company’s electric vehicles (EVs) will be able to use the Tesla Supercharger network starting February 4, 2025.
Mercedes drivers need a special adapter to use the networks, as Superchargers use the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, and Mercedes EVs use the Combined Charging System (CCS1). With an adapter, they’ll have plug-and-charge capability at more than 20,000 DC fast charging stations (no destination chargers).
This integration will be part of the Mercedes me Charge network, allowing users access to more than 117,000 charging points through the native charging service.
Supercharger access is available to battery-electric vehicles and the eSprinter, but PHEVs are excluded. Mercedes drivers won’t need the Tesla app to charge or pay at Supercharger stations.
A setting in the Mercedes-Benz app will allow customers to toggle the adapter status, displaying Supercharger stations as available or not.
Are EV Charging Port Standards Changing?
Until this year, most other automakers have used the CCS1 port, and a few have used a third, called CHAdeMO. Several companies operate public charging networks equipped with CCS1 or CHAdeMO plugs (often both), but none have as many locations as Tesla.
In 2024, Tesla agreed to open its system for anyone’s use. One by one, nearly every automaker (including Mercedes) agreed to start building the NACS port into their cars. By the end of 2025, most new EVs sold will have the NACS port built in, according to Kelley Blue Book.
Other networks have begun building the NACS plug into their chargers. They’ll likely continue to offer CCS1 and CHAdeMO chargers alongside them for years to come since EVs bought before 2025 will have those plugs.
Tesla Opening to One Automaker at a Time
Tesla needs time to update its system to work with each automaker’s vehicle. When an EV connects to a public charger, the car and charger must communicate via software to ensure safe charging. According to Mercedes, that part of the process is complete.
The company says a NACS-to-CCS1 adapter for current CCS1-compatible electric vehicles will be available at authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships. However, they haven’t said if it will be free or for sale. According to Kelley Blue Book, some automakers, like Ford, offer these adapters for free, while others, like General Motors, charge a fee.
The Mercedes-Benz Fast Charging Adapter is the only approved adapter.
