Electric FAQs

There is. For more details, see your certified tax professional or read about the Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit from the Internal Revenue Service.

Many states offer their own incentives, including rebates and other non-monetary incentives like unlimited access to the HOV lane, which saves you time in traffic. To see your state's incentives, visit www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/state.

Yes, but it's much cheaper. Electricity in the United States is typically around 12 cents per kWh. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that's about $540. A year of gas, on the other hand, can cost around $1,400. On top of that, the price of gasoline can fluctuate wildly, whereas the price of electricity is relatively stable. To see the average price of electricity in your state, visit the website for the Energy Information Administration.

Regenerative braking adds to your charge as you drive. When the vehicle is coasting and the driver touches the brake pedal, the electric motor acts as a generator, slowing the car and pumping electric power back into the battery. Essentially, the momentum of the car is converted into extra power, extending your range as you go. 

You might have heard of three levels of charging electric vehicles: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast charging. Here's what they mean:

• Level 1 charging: This is charging that takes place on a typical electric outlet.
• Level 2 charging: This level of charging utilizes a wallbox that’s connected to a 240-volt outlet. Away from home, most public charging stations are Level 2. Some are free, while others require a paid membership. This is the most common type of charging for electric vehicles.
• Level 3 DC Fast Charging: This is the fastest kind of charging currently available, with a growing number of stations available publicly. The amount of electricity they require, and cost of installation, makes them impractical for home use. DC Fast Charging can also be found along highways, making long road trips possible for EVs

There are thousands of charging stations throughout the United States, with more being established on a regular basis. The best way to find them is with an app like ChargePoint. If you're thinking about an electric vehicle, download an app like this and see what stations are currently around you.

Yes, but it's worth noting that a standard household outlet is a 120-volt outlet, whereas a charging station has a 240-volt outlet or 220v connection, so it will take longer to charge on a standard outlet. The good news is that having a 240-volt charging station installed in your home is easy, and our dealers can help you make it happen.

Every Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle has specific features to ensure safe charging. Instead of the electricity flowing as soon as it's plugged in, like a traditional appliance, the vehicle and wallbox converse to make sure it's safe before any electricity flows. Special attention has also been paid to make sure you can safely charge in wet weather.

Yes, but it's worth noting that a standard household outlet is a 120-volt outlet, whereas a charging station has a 240-volt outlet or 220v connection, so it will take longer to charge on a standard outlet. The good news is that having a 240-volt charging station installed in your home is easy, and our dealers can help you make it happen.

No. While many electronics benefit from an occasionally empty battery, the lithium-ion battery has no "memory effect," meaning they never have to be drained, nor do they have to be fully-charged. The life of the battery remains unaffected.

Lithium-ion batteries are known for being lightweight, quick to charge, and having a long service life, which makes them perfect for electric cars. They're also easily recycled. Our lithium-ion batteries are automotive grade batteries, unlike the ones that are in our mobile phones, laptops, and other devices, they are engineered for longevity.

No, careful attention is paid by our engineers to ensure that a Mercedes-Benz EQ vehicle meets our high standards of safety. The battery pack is sealed, and high-voltage circuits are protected from casual contact and appropriately marked so you know where they're located. All high voltage cables and circuits are also marked and are in bright orange with warning labels on them.

The same high safety standards that define Mercedes-Benz cars apply to our electric vehicles. The batteries are all safely protected in the event of an accident, and depending on the severity of the accident, the high voltage system is automatically disconnected in fractions of a second.

Just as you would with a gas-powered vehicle, you'll need to take extra steps during long term storage. Instructions can be found in the operator's manual.

Since the battery used in our electric vehicles is automotive- grade, it's extremely durable and engineered for longevity and reliability. Very rarely does a battery need to be replaced during the average ownership period.

In many ways, you'll notice an improvement. Unlike gas cars, electric cars deliver power to your wheels instantly, with no lag time, as soon as you step on the pedal. The result is greater torque and acceleration. They're also exceptionally smooth. There's no gear shift and no shaking when idle. Most drivers are so accustomed to the constant vibration of gas vehicles that it isn't until they experience electric that they realize the remarkable difference.

MPGe is the electric equivalent of miles per gallon. Essentially, it's how manufacturers show the efficiency of a vehicle: The higher the MPGe, the more efficient it is.