Mercedes-Benz is launching a high-power charging network across North America, Europe, China and other key markets, and it will begin in the U.S. and Canada.
The aim of the company is to have the full network of more than 10,000 high-power chargers in place before the end of the decade, when Mercedes-Benz intends to go all-electric wherever market conditions allow.
The company stated that it believes having the charging hubs in key cities and urban population centers will enhance the usability and convenience of its new generation of electric vehicles. It is building some of those EVs in Tuscaloosa at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and powering them with battery modules being made in Bibb County at its new plant.
Mercedes-Benz plans to roll out the network this year, collaborating with partners MN8 Energy, a large solar energy and battery storage owner and operator, and ChargePoint, a leading EV charging network technology company. By 2027, a network totaling more than 400 hubs with more than 2,500 high-power chargers across North America is planned.
“Mercedes-Benz already offers what we believe to be the finest EVs in the market,” said Ola Kallenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “But to accelerate the electric transformation, we need to ensure that the charging experience keeps pace as well. 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.”
Through its electric intelligence navigation system, Mercedes-Benz customers will be able to reserve charging spaces along the network, but other manufacturers’ EVs also will be able to use the network. Depending on the region and location, hubs will offer from 4 to 30 chargers with up to 350 kW of charging power. The facilities will be equipped with surveillance cameras and other measures to provide a safe and secure environment. The company also plans to place the stations with food outlets and restrooms situated nearby, as well as at Mercedes-Benz dealership sites.
Mercedes-Benz plans to secure green electricity supply contracts or use renewable energy certificates from accredited suppliers to supply its charging network.
The total investment cost for the North American network is estimated at just over 1 billion Euros, deployed over the next six to seven years. The capital for this is being split in half between Mercedes and MN8.
