At CES 2023 in Las Vegas, Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to launch a global high-power charging network across North America, Europe, China and other key markets. The network will begin to be built this year in the US and Canada, followed by other regions around the globe.
The company’s aim is to have the full network in place before the end of the decade, when Mercedes-Benz intends to go all-electric wherever market conditions allow. The goal of the high-power charging network is to enhance customers’ charging experience, accelerate the journey towards the all-electric future and ‘create a global infrastructure asset with future value-creation potential,’ according to the manufacturer.
Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will be located in key cities and urban population centres, close to major arteries, convenient retail and service destinations, including participating Mercedes-Benz dealership sites.
“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,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
“It’s designed to become another differentiator of Mercedes-Benz ownership for our customers and an asset with value creation potential for our company.”
The company believes this strategic 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.
The charging network will focus first and foremost on Mercedes-Benz customers, who will enjoy preferential access via a reservation function and other benefits.
However, it will also be open to drivers of all other brands with compatible technology. The initiative, alongside ongoing support for shared networks such as IONITY, also aims to drive global adoption of electric mobility.
The network will begin to be built in the US and Canada, followed by other regions around the globe.
By 2027, a network totalling more than 400 hubs across North America with more than 2,500 high-power chargers is planned to offer a premium, sustainable and reliable EV charging experience.
“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,” Källenius concluded.
