Just last year, Mercedes-Benz expanded its all-electric lineup with the EQE and EQS sedans and SUVs. And now, the German automaker has announced a new initiative of installing more than 10,000 high-power chargers worldwide across North America, Europe, China and other main markets.
The Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will be located in key cities and urban population centres, close to major arteries, convenient retail and service destinations, including Mercedes-Benz dealership sites.
Read more: EQS is the first all-electric Mercedes built in North America
The rollout will begin in North America; the collaboration includes MN8 Energy, one of the largest solar energy and battery storage owners and operators in the US, and ChargePoint, a leading EV charging network company. By 2027, it’s expected the network will include more than 400 hubs across North America with more than 2,500 high-power chargers. There is no confirmation as of yet as to how many chargers will be located in Canada, as the automaker is still in talks with land owners for placements.
The Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will be located in key cities and urban population centres, close to major arteries, convenient retail and service destinations, including Mercedes-Benz dealership sites.
Depending on region and location, the hubs will offer four to 12, and ultimately as many as 30, high-power chargers (HPC) with up to 350 kW of charging power. Mercedes says its hubs will be “carefully selected with wider customer needs in mind”, with food hubs, restrooms and even surveillance cameras and other measures to “provide a safe and secure charging environment”.
Read more: Mercedes-AMG EQE brings German performance into the modern world
The network will be open to all makes of electric vehicles, but Mercedes owners will be able to reserve spots in advance. The Mercedes “Plug & Charge” feature means the charging station communicates directly with the vehicle via the charging cable for automatic billing via the Mercedes me smartphone app connect service, Mercedes me Charge.
All in, the the total investment cost for the North American network will be just over €1 billion ($1.43 billion) deployed over the next six to seven years. The capital for this will be provided by Mercedes and MN8 in a roughly 50-50 split.
