Mercedes me Charge is our charging ecosystem. We integrate multiple different charging networks, (like ChargePoint, Electrify America, and EVgo), into one that delivers nearly 65,000 chargers. And one integrated charging network means one payment method. You create a Mercedes me Charge account and can now use any of the integrated chargers without the need for a separate app from that charge point operator. All of our EQ vehicles receive a 2-year free trial of Mercedes me Charge starting from Mercedes me connect activation. Afterward, the service may be extended through the Mercedes me connect store.
Mercedes me Charge requires a separate activation process from Mercedes me connect. Please see below.
Important: this process should ideally be completed outside where there is a strong LTE signal. The vehicle will need a few minutes to complete the activation, however, this process can take up to 24 hours.
Every EQ model comes with the Mercedes me Charge RFID card included among the manuals and other materials in a folded and sealed card stock. This RFID card is small enough to fit onto a keychain to maximize customer convenience. While not necessary to complete activation, we highly recommend customers activate the RFID card on their Mercedes me Charge account. The small card provides a very simple and streamlined charging process at most chargers. Multiple RFID cards can be added to one account. If you would like to order additional, you can do so with part number BQ 6 82 0983.
Most public chargers operate on Level 2 or Level 3 to deliver faster charging speeds than what you may have at home. Level 2 chargers will need hours to charge the battery, so they are more frequently found where drivers will spend a good deal of time such as office buildings, shopping malls, and parks. Level 3 chargers, also known as DC Fast-Chargers, are designed to charge the battery as quickly as possible, from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. These chargers are found in large urban and suburban population centers as well as along popular interstate routes.
Electrify America is one charge point operator that has focused on Level 3 DC Fast-Charging. Their specific strategy has built fast chargers along major interstates in the US to enable all-electric cross-country travel. On top of their extensive charging network, we have partnered with Electrify America to provide complimentary unlimited 30-minute charging sessions for the first 2 years of activation with each EQ purchase. This means that our customers can drive across the country at no charge.
There are four ways to start public charging sessions with Mercedes me Charge.
Tesla uses a different charging coupler than other manufacturers. Therefore, our cars cannot use a Tesla Charger. Mercedes-Benz does not offer or endorse an adapter to our cars’ connector. A customer assumes sole risk and liability when using an adapter purchased in the aftermarket. Currently, Mercedes-EQ vehicles cannot charge at Tesla Superchargers.
The majority of your charging will likely be done at home. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure you feel comfortable with the process. Given shipping times and electrician availability, we highly recommend that a customer who has ordered an EQ vehicle arrange for their charger to be installed weeks before they take delivery of their vehicle. At home, customers have Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Level 1 uses 110/120V AC charging and charges 2-4 miles per hour through a standard household outlet. We offer a Level 1 charging cable as an option on the EQ vehicles. Given the slow rate of charge, we do not recommend this method as the primary charging source. Level 2 uses 220/240V AC charging and charges at approximately 30 miles per hour through a special outlet or a hardwired wallbox. Whether the wallbox is hardwired or connected to a special outlet, a customer will need to hire a licensed electrician to complete the installation. Level 2 allows customers to truly take advantage of home charging, where they can charge hassle-free overnight and wake up with nearly a full charge. Please see the above table for the exact charging speeds and times for each EQ model.
ChargePoint is a proven leader in EV charging industry. Therefore, we recommend their Level 2 wallbox, the Home Flex to customers. The Home Flex retails for $749 and can be ordered at www.chargepoint.com/mercedes (http://www.chargepoint.com/mercedes). This dedicated Mercedes-Benz portal prioritizes our customers for quicker delivery.
Now that a customer has ordered a Level 2 wallbox, they will need an electrician to install it at their home. We’ve partnered with Qmerit to assist customers in this process. Qmerit uses a questionnaire to provide an upfront quote for installation. The questionnaire is a combination of direct questions and pictures of the home electrical panel, so customers will not be able to complete at the dealership. However, the survey can be saved and resumed at any time.
Installation costs average $1,700, but the final cost is dependent on the home’s specific setup.
Once Qmerit provides the final quote, the customer can choose to accept and proceed. Qmerit will work directly with the customer to schedule an appointment with an electrician to verify the quote and begin installation. A customer can choose to have the wallbox hardwired into their home or have a 220/240V outlet installed instead. We highly recommend customers begin this process as soon as possible to schedule their appointment and allow for delays in their wallbox delivery.
Please visit www.qmerit.com/ev/Mercedes-Benz (http://www.qmerit.com/ev/Mercedes-Benz) to access the Mercedes-Benz-specific portal for installation.
