Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to integrate the North American Charging Standard (NACS) into its electric vehicle (EV) line-up starting in 2025, making it the first German Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to do so. The company will also provide an adapter from 2024 onwards to enable its existing Combined Charging System (CCS) Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) to charge on the NACS network.
In a significant move, Mercedes-Benz drivers will gain access to over 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America beginning in 2024. This forms part of the company’s customer-focused approach to scale electric vehicles based on a superior product experience and full access to all major charging networks.
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management Mercedes-Benz Group AG, stated, “To accelerate the shift to electric vehicles, we are dedicated to elevating the entire EV-experience for our customers – including fast, convenient, and reliable charging solutions wherever their Mercedes-Benz takes them.”
In addition to ensuring compatibility with an expanded network of existing charging stations, Mercedes-Benz will establish its own High-Power Charging Network. This will include more than 400 Charging Hubs and over 2,500 high-power chargers in North America by the end of the decade, in partnership with American partners. The first Mercedes-Benz Charging Hubs in North America, equipped with both CCS1 and NACS plugs, will open by the end of 2023.
Globally, Mercedes-Benz plans to establish more than 2,000 Charging Hubs in North America, Europe, China, and other core markets by the end of the decade. These will comprise over 10,000 charging points, which can be further expanded depending on market needs. The Mercedes-Benz Charging Hubs will be universally open to electric vehicles from all brands, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of EV owners.
Andrew Cornelia, CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, emphasized the company’s commitment to redefining the electric vehicle charging experience through the development of Mercedes-Benz’s new North American High-Power Charging Network.
This is big news as with Mercedes-Benz on board with NACS, expect BMW and Audi to follow next. Looks like Mercedes beat Volkswagen to the punch for adopting NACS. Who’s next for siding with NACS and Tesla? CCS is not happy right now…
