Mercedes is planning its own charging infrastructure for electric cars

Mercedes wants to build its own global charging infrastructure for electric cars. In total, the network should include more than 10,000 fast charging points at 2,000 locations. In North America, implementation could begin as early as this year.

The electronics trade fair “CES 2023” in Las Vegas is in full swing. In addition to other brands, Mercedes-Benz is also presenting a number of new developments. Above all, he wants German carmaker set up their own global charging network for electric cars.

Mercedes plans to build charging stations by 2030

In total, the network should include more than 10,000 charging stations worldwide by the end of the decade. The company intends to start expanding in North America before the end of this year.

By 2027, more than 400 charging parks and over 2,500 high-power chargers (HPC) are to be built on the continent. After that, the infrastructure will be built in Europe, China and other core markets.

Mercedes-Benz hands over billions

In order to realize the project, Mercedes accepts costs in the billions. One does not want to watch and wait until it is built, explained CEO Ola Källenius to the manager magazine. The group is therefore setting up its own global fast-charging network.

Investments of over one billion euros are planned for North America alone. The project will also be implemented in cooperation with the US solar energy and battery company MN8 Energy. In addition, ChargePoint, an EV charging network technology company, is also involved in the build-out in North America.

Charging network not only for Mercedes customers

Depending on the region and location, the charging stations should offer four to a maximum of 30 high-power chargers with a charging capacity of up to 350 kilowatts. With the help of intelligent charging management, the company also wants to charge every vehicle to its maximum capacity. In this way, Mercedes wants to minimize waiting times at the stations.

In addition, the stations should provide green electricity. To ensure this, the car manufacturer relies on green electricity supply contracts and cooperation with certified suppliers of renewable energies.

In addition, owners of other vehicle brands should also be able to use the charging stations. However, Mercedes drivers are given preferential treatment and can, for example, reserve in advance.

The start of construction for Europe has not yet been determined

It is not yet certain when the Stuttgart-based carmaker will also start building the network in Germany. According to the company, however, talks are already being held with potential partners for Europe and China.

Mercedes-Benz is not the first manufacturer to try to set up a charging network for electric cars. Volkswagen and Tesla are also working on a charging infrastructure or are already operating one.

Also interesting: