During the Mercedes-Benz tech talks at CES 2023, chief technology officer Markus Schäfer announced plans for a branded Mercedes-Benz high-power charging network, which will begin in North America this year, followed by rollout in Europe, China and other main markets.
The North American charging network, consisting of over 400 charging hubs with more than 2,500 high power chargers, is scheduled for completion by 2027.
Mercedes have revealed that hubs will typically offer 4 to 12 high power chargers (HPCs) with 350kW charging power, however some regions and locations will have as many as 30 HPCs.
Wait times will also be kept to a minimum, said the car manufacturer, with the help of intelligent charge-load management, which will allow EVs to charge at maximum capacity.
The network will be open to all electric vehicle (EV) brands, whilst Mercedes customers will receive exclusive benefits including chargepoint reservation privileges.
Chargepoint hubs will be located at regular intervals near motorways, major intersections as well as metropolitan areas and will include safety measure such as surveillance cameras. Hubs that are able to accommodate roofing infrastructure will power these cameras using photovoltaic systems, in line with Mercedes’ sustainable business strategy “Ambition 2039”.
Partnering on this project is US battery storage owner and operator, MN8 Energy and the EV charging network Chargepoint, in extension of the EV charging network’s relationship with Mercedes as the US backend provider for Mercedes me Charge.
“At Mercedes-Benz, we’re fully committed to making the charging of battery electric-vehicles easier and more accessible. By selecting MN8 Energy and ChargePoint as our partners in North America – two of the leaders in their respective fields – we’ll be able to continue to drive the transformation towards an electric future, which is one of the main pillars of our holistic, sustainable corporate strategy,” commented Schäfer.
Mercedes has said it aims to expand its charging network worldwide, providing over 10,000 HPCs.
