Mercedes-Benz has collaborated with ChargePoint and MN8 to launch a global high-power charging network for install almost 40,000 Level 2 public chargers across North America.
At CES 2023, Mercedes-Benz said that some of the high-power chargers will be deployed starting this year in North America. However, the U.S. and Canada won't be the only recipients of this initiative, as Mercedes confirms it will extend the availability to Europe, China, and other primary markets across the globe. Mercedes says it is aiming to install over 10,000 chargers before the end of 2030. And while Mercedes EV drivers will be prioritized in the program, other EV owners will gain access to the chargers later. Opening the chargers to non-Mercedes EVs is part of efforts to encourage the switch to electric mobility.
North America Will Get Over 400 Charging Stations
Mercedes will partner with vehicle charging solution provider ChargePoint and MN8 Energy, a solar energy and battery storage operator. The first goal for this new alliance is to provide North America-based EV owners with over 400 charging stations housing over 2,500 DC fast charging ports by 2027. ChargePoint will supply the hardware and software for the charging equipment. Meanwhile, Mercedes and MN8 will fund and manage the charging hubs. This endeavor will cost both parties a little over €1 billion and will be spread over six or seven years.
According to Mercedes, a station can have between four and 12 high-speed connectors. The presence of intelligent charge-load management tools will ensure that EVs charge at their actual power capacity. To enable drivers to fully leverage the network, Mercedes' Electric Intelligent navigation will enhance its route planning function to include the best charging ports on the map, and book spaces before motorists arrive. This will tackle the issue of long wait times.
Also, the Plug and Charge feature — available in the EQS, EQS SUV, EQE, EQE SUV, and select plug-in hybrids — will enhance the experience for s. Since the charging station will interact directly with the EV through the cable, manual authentication through a card or the Mercedes me Connect application isn't needed. Mercedes customers can already charge at over one million public spots worldwide using the Mercedes me Charge service. The global fast charging network will add even more stations, and give potential buyers an extra reason to consider owning a Mercedes-Benz EV.
Source: Mercedes-Benz