Is there a federal tax credit for buying electric?

There is. You will earn $7,500 instantly upon the purchase of your EV as a dealer discount to serve as your tax credit.

What about local incentives?

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.

Do I have to pay for electricity like I pay for gas?

Yes, but it’s much cheaper. Electricity in the United States purchased for your home through your utility 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. All new Mercedes-Benz EV customers also get 2 years of free, unlimited 30-minute charging sessions through Electrify America. This enables cross-country travel essentially for free.

How do I start a charging session?

Charging sessions can be initiated in multiple ways. First, your dealer will make sure your vehicle is activated with Mercedes me Charge. Upon activation, your vehicle will be ready to initiate charging sessions with Plug & Charge, activation through the RFID card, or remote activation through the MMC app, or remote activation through the vehicle’s navigation system. Electrify America stations support Plug & Charge, which is the most convenient and secure way to initiate charging sessions. Simply plug in the activated vehicle and charging will begin automatically. For more information about this and other methods, please visit https://www.mbusa.com/en/charge/on-the-go.

How does regenerative braking work?

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.

What are the different levels of charging?

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:

Where can I find public charging stations, and are there enough of them where I drive?

There are over 65,000 charging stations throughout the United States, with more being added practically every day. The best way to find them is with Mercedes me Charge, our charging ecosystem. Mercedes me Charge integrates multiple charging networks into one, giving you more freedom and flexibility. You can view all available places to charge in the Mercedes me Connect app or even in the headunit of your Mercedes-EQ vehicle.

How safe is charging?

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.

Does the battery have to be drained to zero periodically?

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.

What are the benefits of a lithium-ion battery?

Lithium-ion batteries are known for being lightweight, quick to charge, and having a long service life, which makes them perfect for electric cars. 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.

Do I have to worry about electric shock or fire from the battery pack?

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.

Is there danger in the event of an accident?

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.

What do I need to know if I plan on storing my vehicle for an extended period of time?

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.

How often does an electric vehicle’s battery need to be replaced?

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.

How does the performance of an electric vehicle compare to that of a conventional gas-powered vehicle?

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.

What is MPGe?

MPGe is the efficiency number to provide an equivalent to the traditional miles per gallon. Essentially, it’s how manufacturers show the efficiency of a vehicle: The higher the MPGe, the more efficient it is. The other way to measure efficiency with an electric vehicle is through Watt-hours (Wh)/mile or kilowatt-hours (kWh)/100 miles. The lower the number here, the better.