Mercedes-Benz to launch its own EV rapid-charging network

Watch out, Tesla, because Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to launch a global network of its own electric vehicle rapid-charging stations.

The scheme has been outlined this week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas following a speech by Mercedes-Benz Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer.

And it’s a move that will see the firm taking aim at electric rivals Tesla.

Tesla, of course, already has its own network of branded charging stations, known as Superchargers, which can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes.

There are around 40,000 Tesla Superchargers around the world, and more than 1,000 in the UK alone. It’s one of the great things about leasing a Tesla, as only a small number of the Supercharger stations are currently available to non-Tesla drivers.

Now, however, Mercedes-Benz is muscling-in on the rapid-charging market.

Crucially, Mercedes-Benz is also hoping to make the whole charging experience more pleasant, with the hubs coming complete with ‘food outlets and restrooms situated nearby’.

A spokesperson adds: “Facilities will also be equipped with surveillance cameras and other measures to provide a safe and secure charging environment at all times. Selected charging points are covered for protection from the weather.

“Depending on region and location, the hubs offer four to 12 – and ultimately as many as 30 – high-power chargers (HPC) with up to 350 kW charging power.

“Intelligent charge-load management allows each vehicle to charge at its maximum capacity, keeping waiting times to an absolute minimum. The network will be open to all electric vehicle brands, but Mercedes-Benz customers will enjoy special benefits, such as the ability to reserve a charging spot.”

So, what’s the catch?

Well, Mercedes-Benz is going to launch the venture in North America first - but with Europe, China and other markets to follow.

The North American network is scheduled for completion by 2027 and will include a total of 400 hubs, and more than 2,500 individual chargers.

Schäfer adds: “At Mercedes-Benz, we’re fully committed to making the charging of battery electric-vehicles easier and more accessible. By selecting MN8 Energy and ChargePoint as our partners in North America – two of the leaders in their respective fields – we’ll be able to continue to drive the transformation towards an electric future, which is one of the main pillars of our holistic, sustainable corporate strategy.”

Exciting stuff indeed. Watch this space for further updates.

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