Mercedes-Benz said that its electric vehicles will be able to access Tesla’s Supercharger network starting in February.

But compatibility with Tesla's charging network—which Benz says swells the number of available fast chargers for its customers by 20,000 in the U.S. and Canada combined—depends on more than just a similar plug design.

As Mercedes-Benz prepares to add NACS ports to new models this year, the automaker is opening access to the Tesla Supercharger network for its existing EVs. Starting in February, authorized Mercedes dealers will offer a free software update for US-based EV owners that opens the gates to the network of over 20,

Six non-Tesla EV brands now have more charging options, with Mercedes up next in February. Here's the full list and how this major industry shift came about.

Mercedes-Benz is giving its electric vehicle owners access to Tesla's Supercharger network for public fast charging with approved adapters.