Mercedes-Benz announced that it will be rolling out a high-energy charging network across North America, Europe, China and other markets, and it will be open to vehicles from other brands.
The charging network will carry the Mercedes-Benz brand but be developed in partnership with battery and solar storage company MN8 Energy and charging network company ChargePoint.
The rollout will begin in North America this year, followed by Europe, China and unspecified “other key markets”.
The North American network will include more than 400 hubs with more than 2500 high-capacity chargers, scheduled for completion in 2027.
Each hub, depending on location, will provide between 4 and 12 chargers with a charging capacity of up to 350 kW. Mercedes-Benz says the hubs will be “finally” [have] as much as a 30″ charger.
By the end of the decade, Mercedes-Benz says its charging network will expand worldwide with more than 10,000 high-capacity chargers.
While they will be open to all brands, Mercedes-Benz says owners of their vehicles will enjoy additional benefits such as being able to reserve a charging point – something Audi offers with charging centers in europe.
Chargers will be “conveniently spaced apart”, near motorways, major intersections and urban areas, as well as nearby restrooms and food outlets.
Mercedes-Benz promises a “premium, sustainable and reliable” charging experience, with centers with surveillance cameras and “other measures” to provide a safe and secure charging environment. Selected points will also be protected for protection from the elements.
Mercedes-Benz will “preferably ensure” the centers are powered through green power supply contracts or through a renewable energy certificate from an accredited supplier.
They will also house a roof fitted with a photovoltaic system to power the lighting and surveillance cameras.
Markus Schäfer, member of the Board of Directors of the Mercedes-Benz AG Group and chief technology officer in charge of development, said: “At Mercedes-Benz, we are fully committed to making charging electric vehicles a reality. easier and more accessible. and shopping.
“By choosing MN8 Energy and ChargePoint as our partners in North America – two of the leaders in their respective fields – we will be able to continue to accelerate the transition towards a better future. hybrid power, which is one of the key pillars of our comprehensive, corporate sustainability strategy.”
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Audi charging center -
Tesla turbocharger
Mercedes-Benz won’t be the first company with a branded charging network.
Tesla’s Supercharger network is the most extensive and well known, but Audi has also rolled out its first four ring-branded charging centers in Europe.
Although their chargers don’t have the Volkswagen logo, the German company has established the Electrify America charging network in the US, while Ionity in Europe and Chargefox in Australia have partnered with countless car manufacturers to supply the their vehicle owners access to public charging.
