Mercedes-Benz is to launch a high-power charging network across North America, Europe, China and other markets. The company made the announcement at CES with construction of the network to begin this year in the US and Canada. The German manufacturer said its aim is to have the full network in place before the end of the decade, by which time it intends to go all-electric where market conditions allow.

The Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will be located in key cities and urban population centres, close to major arteries, and at convenient retail and service destinations, including participating Mercedes-Benz dealership sites.

The company said it believes the charging network move will ‘significantly enhance the usability of its electric vehicles, differentiate the Mercedes-Benz ownership experience and accelerate the EV transformation.’

The charging network will focus first on Mercedes-Benz customers but will be open to drivers of all other brands with compatible technology.
By 2027, the plan is for more than 400 hubs to be located across North America offering more than 2,500 high-power chargers. Depending on location, the hubs will offer 4 to 12, and as many as 30, high-power chargers with up to 350kW of charging power.

Mercedes-Benz added that it will work to ensure green energy is used at the chargers – preferably via green electricity supply contracts or by using renewable energy certificates from an accredited supplier. Selected Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will also be equipped with photovoltaic systems to provide electricity for lighting and video surveillance, for example.

The locations and surroundings of the charging hubs will be selected with wider customer needs in mind, meaning food outlets and restrooms are to be situated nearby. Facilities will also be equipped with surveillance cameras and other measures to provide a safe charging environment.

“Mercedes-Benz already offers what we believe to be the finest EVs in the market. But to accelerate the electric transformation, we need to ensure that the charging experience keeps pace as well,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

“Our customers deserve a compelling charging experience that makes electric vehicle ownership and long-distance travel effortless. We won’t take a wait-and-see approach for this to be built. That’s why we are launching a global high-end charging network. It’s designed to become another differentiator of Mercedes-Benz ownership for our customers and an asset with value creation potential for our company.”

VIDEO: MERCEDES-BENZ HIGH-POWER CHARGING NETWORK

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2023) 

14 February 2023