Mercedes-Benz uses two charging networks, plus home and dealer charging
Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles come with access to two main public charging networks: ChargePoint and Electrify America. Your car also includes a home charging cable, and you can charge at any Mercedes dealership. The network you use depends on which one has stations near your routes and how fast you need to charge.
When you buy or lease a Mercedes EV—the EQE, EQS, EQA, or EQC—the dealer provides information about all three options. You don't need to choose one; you can use whichever network is most convenient for each trip. The main difference is charging speed and how you pay.
Key Takeaways
- Mercedes EVs work with ChargePoint and Electrify America public networks, plus home charging and dealer locations.
- Electrify America offers faster DC fast charging (up to 350 kW on some models), while ChargePoint has more locations but slower speeds.
- Home charging with a Level 2 wall box takes 8 to 10 hours for a full charge and costs less per mile than public charging.
- Your Mercedes comes with a mobile app that shows station locations, real-time availability, and lets you start charging remotely on compatible equipment.
- Charging costs vary by network and location; DC fast charging typically costs $10 to $25 per session depending on how much you charge.
Electrify America: fastest charging for long trips
Electrify America operates DC fast chargers along highways and in urban areas. These chargers can add 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes on newer Mercedes EV models, depending on the battery size and charger output. The EQS and EQE support up to 200 kW charging speeds, which is among the fastest available.
You pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or per minute, depending on the location. Costs typically range from $0.40 to $0.60 per kWh, meaning a 50 kWh charge (roughly 200 miles) costs $20 to $30. Electrify America has roughly 900 stations across the United States, concentrated on major corridors and in cities. You can find stations and check real-time availability through the Electrify America app or through your Mercedes in-car system.
ChargePoint: more locations, slower speeds
ChargePoint operates the largest public charging network in North America, with over 30,000 locations. Most ChargePoint stations are Level 2 chargers, which add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. A full charge on a Mercedes EV typically takes 8 to 10 hours at a Level 2 station, making these better for charging while you shop, work, or park overnight rather than for highway trips.
ChargePoint pricing varies by location and owner. Some stations are free, others charge $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh, and some charge a flat session fee of $2 to $5. You can see pricing before you plug in through the ChargePoint app or your Mercedes display. Because ChargePoint has so many locations—including parking garages, shopping centers, and workplaces—it's often the most convenient option for daily charging away from home.
Home charging: the cheapest and most convenient option
Every new Mercedes EV comes with a portable Level 2 charging cable that plugs into a standard 240-volt outlet. This cable adds about 10 miles of range per hour, so a full charge takes roughly 10 hours overnight. Most owners install a dedicated wall-mounted Level 2 charger (also called a home charging station) in their garage or driveway, which costs $500 to $2,500 installed and charges at the same speed.
Home charging costs roughly $0.12 to $0.18 per kWh depending on your local electricity rates, making it the cheapest way to charge. A full charge costs $8 to $15 at home, compared to $20 to $30 at a DC fast charger. Mercedes offers information about home installation through your dealer, and many states offer tax credits or rebates for installing a Level 2 charger at home.
Using the Mercedes EV app to find and manage charging
The Mercedes me app (included with your vehicle) shows ChargePoint and Electrify America stations on a map, displays real-time availability, and shows pricing before you arrive. You can filter by charger type (DC fast or Level 2), network, and distance from your location. The app also lets you start and stop charging remotely on compatible equipment and receive notifications when your charge reaches a target level.
The in-car infotainment system displays the same information and can route you to the nearest available charger based on your current battery level and destination. Both the app and the car's system update availability in real time, so you know whether a station is occupied before you drive there. This is especially useful on road trips, where a broken charger or full station can add significant time to your journey.
Charging at Mercedes dealerships
Every Mercedes dealership has at least one charging station available for customers, typically a Level 2 charger. Charging at a dealership is usually free while you're having service work done or shopping. Some dealerships have DC fast chargers as well, though these are less common. If you're having your vehicle serviced, you can charge while you wait, which typically takes 30 minutes to an hour for a partial charge.
Dealership charging is not meant for long-term parking or daily use—it's a convenience for customers during visits. If you need to charge regularly away from home, ChargePoint or Electrify America are more practical options.
Comparing charging costs and time across networks
| Charging Type | Speed (miles/hour) | Full Charge Time | Cost per Full Charge | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Level 2 | 10 | 8–10 hours | $8–$15 | Daily charging, overnight |
| ChargePoint Level 2 | 25–30 | 8–10 hours | $6–$20 (varies by location) | Workplace, shopping, parking |
| Electrify America DC Fast | 200 (in 20–30 min) | 20–30 minutes (80% charge) | $20–$30 | Highway trips, quick top-ups |
| Mercedes Dealership Level 2 | 25–30 | 8–10 hours | Free (during service) | Service appointments |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a membership to use ChargePoint or Electrify America?
No membership is required for either network. You can pay per session using a credit card or the app. Some networks offer optional memberships that reduce per-kWh costs if you charge frequently, but they're not necessary to start charging.
Can I charge my Mercedes at Tesla Superchargers?
Not directly. Tesla Superchargers are designed for Tesla vehicles and use a different connector standard. Mercedes is working toward compatibility with some Tesla stations through adapters, but this is still limited. Stick with ChargePoint and Electrify America for reliable public charging.
What happens if I run out of battery between charging stations?
Your Mercedes will alert you when the battery is low and show you the nearest charger on the map. The car is designed to reach a charger even at very low battery levels. If you do run out of power, roadside information (included with most Mercedes warranties) can tow you to the nearest charger.
Is it cheaper to charge at home or at public stations?
Home charging is almost always cheaper—roughly $8 to $15 per full charge versus $20 to $30 at a DC fast charger. ChargePoint Level 2 stations vary in price but typically cost $6 to $20 per charge. For daily driving, charge at home whenever possible and use public chargers only for trips or when you need a quick top-up.
How long does it take to install a home charging station?
Installation typically takes one to two days, depending on whether your garage already has a 240-volt outlet. If you need electrical work, installation may take longer. Your Mercedes dealer can recommend installers in your area and help you understand any available rebates or tax credits.