Mercedes to put up global high-power charging network

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a high-power charging network on strategic locations around the world.

The Three-Pointed Star automotive marque said that the latest move shall start in the United States (US) and Canada, followed by other regions around the globe. The announcement was made at the CES 2023 in Las Vegas.

According to Mercedes Benz, the goal is to put up the full network before the end of the decade as the brand will go all-electric “wherever market conditions allow.”

Set to be built in North America, Europe, China and other key markets, the Mercedes-Benz high-power charging network will enhance customers’ charging experience, accelerate its all-electric thrust, and create a global infrastructure asset with future value-creation potential.

The brand’s charging hubs will be in key cities and urban population centers close to major arteries, convenient retail and service destinations that include participating Mercedes-Benz dealership sites.

The brand expressed firm belief that the move “will significantly enhance the usability and convenience of its new generation of electric vehicles, differentiate the Mercedes-Benz ownership experience and accelerate the EV transformation.”

 Mercedes-Benz said that the soon-to-be-opened charging stations will cater first to its customers via a reservation function and other benefits, as well as other vehicle brands with compatible technology.

“This comprehensive initiative, alongside ongoing support for shared networks such as Ionity, also aims to drive global adoption of electric mobility,” Mercedes-Benz noted.

Mercedes-Benz collaboration partners for the said endeavor include MN8 Energy, one of the largest solar energy and battery storage owners and operators in the US, and ChargePoint, a leading EV charging network technology company.

The company said that by 2027, more than 400 hubs across North America with more than 2,500 high-power chargers are to be established.

“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. 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. We are excited to start right here in North America with strong and experienced partners like MN8 Energy and ChargePoint,” Mercedes-Benz Group AG Chairman of the Board of Management Ola Källenius said.

One of the largest solar energy and battery storage owners and operators in the US, MN8 Energy is said to be well-aligned with the Mercedes-Benz “Ambition 2039,” and supports the automaker’s goal of maximizing access to green charging for its customers throughout the region.

“MN8 Energy is on a mission to provide enterprise customers, such as Mercedes-Benz, with renewable energy and related solutions on their journey to an electrified, decarbonized world. Supporting the development of this exceptional charging experience helps address one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption—range anxiety. With each party playing to their strengths, we are thrilled to embark on this collaboration to expand charging access with Mercedes-Benz and ChargePoint,” MN8 Energy President and Chief Executive Officer Jon Yoder was quoted as saying.

On the other hand, ChargePoint, a company that has already powered around five billion electric miles, is the backend provider of Mercedes-Benz in the US for Mercedes me Charge and has demonstrated a strong track record in software stability and hardware provision.

“Automotive leaders like Mercedes-Benz continue to lead the transition to electric mobility by bringing new EVs to market, and ChargePoint remains committed to enabling charging for all drivers whenever and wherever they want. With this partnership, we are expanding upon our existing relationships with Mercedes-Benz and MN8 to deliver a seamless charging experience for drivers, and turnkey charging solutions at no upfront cost to site hosts. By establishing charging hubs in convenient locations across the U.S. and Canada, we're able to provide a superior experience for more drivers who want to charge quickly and easily,” ChargePoint CEO Pasquale Romano said.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

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