Mercedes-Benz has used the CES 2023 technology show in Las Vegas to announce plans for its own branded EV charging network.
Set to span the globe, including North America, China and Europe, the company wants to have its bespoke electric vehicle infrastructure in place before the end of the decade.
The venture will help Mercedes-Benz to go all-electric in as many markets as possible by 2030.
Mercedes-Benz drivers already have access to selected charging networks via the Mercedes Me ownership app. However, a Mercedes-branded network should make life easier.
A global network by 2030
Work on building the network begins later this year, with the United States and Canada the first region to be targeted.
Mercedes-Benz will collaborate with MN8 Energy, one of the largest solar energy and battery storage companies in the United States. ChargePoint, a major EV charging tech supplier, will also contribute its own expertise.
By 2027, Mercedes-Benz hopes to have a network of more than 400 charging hubs across the US and Canada. This will include 2,500 high-power devices with charging capability of up to 350kW.
Hubs will be placed in key cities, and close to main arterial routes and destinations. Selected Mercedes-Benz dealerships will also have on-site chargers.
‘A compelling charging experience‘
Mercedes-Benz EV owners will be able to reserve a charger directly from their car, with no need to queue. Devices will offer ‘plug and charge’ capability, with payment and authorisation handled simply by connecting to the charging cable.
Although aimed at Mercedes owners, the company’s EV network will be open to all electric cars. This is done with a view to increasing the overall level of EV ownership.
Ola Källenius, Mercedes-Benz chairman, said: “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.”
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