At the 2023 CES in Las Vegas, Mercedes-Benz declared an ambitious plan: The construction of a massive global high-power charging network with over 10,000 stalls across the world. This will be separate from Ionity, which is owned and operated by several car makers including Mercedes itself.
By joining forces with MN8 and ChargePoint, the German brand plans to begin constructing the first charging stations in both Canada and America this year, striving for a total of 400 hubs equipped with over 2,500 fast chargers across North America by 2027.
In the coming years, Mercedes-Benz is determined to build a comprehensive charging network across Europe, China, and other key markets. This will create an environment where they can finally meet their long-term goals of transitioning into the electric car scene by 2030 – only selling zero-emissions vehicles if it is feasible in that specific market.
Mercedes is constructing their chargers in bustling metropolitan areas and “key cities” to ensure maximum convenience for drivers. Each charging hub will house between four and thirty stations, each able to provide up to 350 kW of power, making them perfect for busy commuters or long-distance travelers alike. To top it off, all hubs are located next to participating Mercedes dealerships so you can charge your car while getting your vehicle serviced.
To further its commitment to sustainability, the German brand intends to make use of as much renewable energy resources available by either contracting green electricity suppliers or acquiring sustainable certificates from reliable vendors. In addition, a few hubs will be equipped with photovoltaic systems that are predicted to provide enough power for lighting and video surveillance purposes.
Mercedes-Benz assures that its new charging network is open for all car brands, but its vehicles will have the advantage of pre-booking a charging station. The company boasts that compatible EVs can reserve an available charger with only the navigation system and no need for the driver to do anything besides parking and plugging it in.
Source: Mercedes-Benz