Mercedes will open its first high-speed, high-end charging stations in three locations this fall. Starting in October, it plans to open these stations in Chengdu, China, Mannheim, Germany, and Atlanta, USA.
These locations, in addition to the 2,000 other charging hubs it plans to open by the end of 2024, have been selected for their pleasantness and safety. Mercedes says it will put a premium on placing its stations near dealerships, or other facilities that can provide drivers with amenities such as refreshments, snacks, and restrooms.
The charging network will be open to drivers from all brands, but Mercedes drivers will get added perks. These include the ability to reserve a charging point ahead of time, and more. Drivers will also be able to find the stations as part of their route planning, and the hubs will offer plug-and-charge capabilities to make the process as simple as possible.
Read: Mercedes To Launch Global Charging Network Open To All Brands Starting In North America
Mercedes adds that whatever vehicle plugs into its charging stations, they will be able to charge as fast as possible. The charging points are set up to be able to deliver up to 400 kW of power, depending on the vehicle. Intelligent programming will allow the stations to automatically funnel as much power as possible to the vehicle, in order to charge it quickly.
Mercedes’ long-term plan is to offer more than 2,000 charging hubs, with more than 10,000 plugs, by 2030. These will be compatible with all kinds of EVs, whether they operate on the CCS1, the CCS2, the NACS, or the GB/T standard.
“Our goal is to create an infrastructure that offers electric vehicles reliable and easy charging options,” said Franz Reiner, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG. “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 electric vehicle charging.”
Separately, Mercedes is one of seven automakers that have partnered to launch a joint-venture company with a focus on creating a new North American charging network for electric vehicles. Together with BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis, the new company plans to have its first charging stations up and running in early 2024.
