Mercedes-Benz has opened its first high-power charging stations in various regions. The move implements the company’s far-reaching plans to expand its global charging infrastructure. The first Mercedes-Benz Charging Hubs went into operation this October in Atlanta, Georgia, Chengdu (China), and Mannheim (Germany). By the end of 2024, Mercedes-Benz aims to further expand its global charging network to over 2,000 high-power charging points. The long-term goal is to create more than 2,000 charging hubs with over 10,000 charging points by the decade’s end.
With this charging network, Mercedes-Benz sets new standards for fast, convenient, and sustainable charging of electric vehicles (EVs). Depending on the region, the charging stations offer charging rates of up to 400kW, provided via the standard charging systems CCS1, CCS2, NACS, and GB/T. Thanks to intelligent charging management, each vehicle can be charged at its maximum power rating. It reduces the charging time for customers to an absolute minimum.
When selecting the location of the charging hubs, Mercedes-Benz attaches great importance to a pleasant and safe customer experience. The charging stations are located at main traffic areas and select Mercedes-Benz dealerships and offer other nearby amenities, such as refreshments, snacks, and restroom facilities. It is planned to equip the charging stations with surveillance cameras for safety. At selected locations, intelligent light poles offer appropriate lighting and functional LED elements that provide information on the charging point’s availability and the vehicle’s charging status. Canopies at selected charging hubs offer protection against weather.
The charging network is open to drivers of all brands. Mercedes-Benz customers enjoy unique benefits, for example, the ability to reserve a charging point via the “Mercedes-Benz me Charge” service to reduce waiting times. The Mercedes-Benz charging network will seamlessly integrate and complement the more than 1.3 million charging points users can access worldwide. With the help of Mercedes-Benz’s Navigation with Electric Intelligence, the charging stations will be integrated directly into route planning to show the best way to charge. To make the charging experience even more convenient, the charging stations will offer additional convenience features, such as Plug & Charge. This service enables Mercedes-Benz customers to automate the charging and payment process as soon as the charging cable is plugged in.
“We firmly believe electric mobility is the key to a sustainable, zero-emission future. Our goal is to create an infrastructure that offers EVs reliable and easy charging options. In this way, we are actively supporting the transformation to electric mobility. With the Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network, we are expanding global charging options and setting new standards in EV charging. We want to encourage our customers to switch to zero-emission vehicles and thus make a positive contribution to protecting our environment,” said Franz Reiner, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG.
100% renewable electricity
In line with its sustainable business strategy “Ambition 2039”, Mercedes-Benz also enables its customers to charge in an environmentally friendly way with 100% renewable electricity used within this charging network. It is preferably done through green electricity supply contracts or renewable energy certificates from an accredited supplier wherever possible. Selected charging hubs will also be equipped with solar panels to provide electricity for the hubs themselves.
Mercedes-Benz continues to drive its “electric only” strategy forward and commits to a future-oriented charging infrastructure by investing in a global charging network. With the development of the Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network, Mercedes-Benz is expanding its existing offering continuously. Part of this is also the European fast-charging network Ionity and the recently announced joint venture with six other OEMs to develop the North American charging infrastructure further. The Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network is vital to the company’s overall electrification strategy. All businesses related to the charging ecosystem are housed under Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG. (Story and photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz)