Car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to develop a global high-power electric vehicle (EV) charging network across North America, Europe, China and other key markets.
The company expects to build the network this year in the US and Canada, followed by other locations with intentions to have all sites in place before 2030.
Mercedes-Benz plans to implement charging hubs in key cities and urban population centres, including those which contain participating Mercedes-Benz dealership sites.
It hopes to encourage more customers to switch to its range of EVs and to improve end-user experiences by reducing concerns around the availability of charging infrastructure.
One of the key features of the hubs will be preferential access for Mercedes-Benz customers, which the company has suggested will work via a reservation function. However, the luxury car firm specified that hubs would also be available for use by drivers of all other brands with compatible technology.
Some of Mercede-Benz’s partners for the North American rollout include MN8 Energy, a US solar energy and battery storage owners and operator, and ChargePoint, an EV charging network technology company.
By 2027 the company plans to have implemented a network of more than 400 hubs across North America, including more than 2,500 high-power chargers.
“Mercedes-Benz already offers what we believe to be the finest EVs in the market,” Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
“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.”
In line with its sustainable “Ambition 2039” business strategy, Mercedes-Benz hopes to deploy charging infrastructure to support its customers to charge their EVs with green energy through its own charging network.
What’s more, the company hopes to increase its reliance on green electricity supply contracts or use of renewable energy certificates from an accredited supplier.
