Mercedes-Benz is set to launch its high-power charging hub network in the fourth quarter of 2023, introducing charging speeds of up to 400kW. This charging speed is currently unmatched by any other electric vehicle (EV) on the market. The company’s first charging stations will be unveiled in Atlanta, Georgia (the company’s US headquarters), Chengdu, China, and Mannheim, Germany. However, Mercedes-Benz has plans to expand this network further, aiming to build 400 hub locations with 2,000 chargers in the US, and an additional 2,000 charging stations globally by the end of 2024.
Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz had announced a partnership with ChargePoint to establish the “Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network.” The initial installations were intended to accommodate both CCS (Combined Charging System) and Tesla’s NACS (North American Charging Standard) connectors, making the network accessible to EVs from other manufacturers as well.
Mercedes-Benz has now stated that the charging stations will offer a charging rate of up to 400kW, depending on the region. This charging rate will be provided through the respective standard charging systems, such as CCS1 (North America), CCS2 (Europe), NACS (Tesla), and GB/T (China). To ensure minimal wait times, Mercedes-Benz has implemented intelligent charging management systems that allow each vehicle to be charged at its maximum power rating. These charging hubs will be strategically located at main traffic areas and select Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
In a recent announcement, Mercedes-Benz mentioned that it will adopt Tesla’s NACS as the charging standard for its North American EVs. However, before this transition, the company plans to provide access to Tesla’s Supercharger network for its customers through a CCS-to-NACS adapter, which is expected to be available in 2024. Tesla’s Supercharger network currently boasts approximately 1,847 stations in the US, with over 20,040 ports, making it a significant charging infrastructure provider in the country.
It is important to note that Mercedes-Benz’s collaboration with Tesla for the Supercharger network is separate from its independent branded charging network. Last month, the company announced its partnership with six other automakers, including BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis. Together, they aim to establish a network of 30,000 new EV fast-charging stations across North America, with plans to launch in the summer of 2024. These charging stations will be equipped with both CCS and NACS connectors, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to expanding its charging infrastructure aligns with the growing EV market and the increasing demand for convenient and high-power charging stations. By accelerating the roll-out of its high-power charging hubs, the company aims to provide customers with faster charging capabilities while reducing range anxiety associated with EV ownership. Additionally, the collaboration with other automakers demonstrates a joint effort to create a seamless charging experience for EV owners and to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz is primed to introduce its high-power charging hub network with unprecedented charging speeds of up to 400kW. The company’s strategic locations, expansion plans, and collaboration with industry leaders showcase its commitment to shaping the future of electric mobility. As the EV market continues to grow, an extensive and efficient charging infrastructure will play a pivotal role in facilitating mass adoption, enhancing convenience, and encouraging sustainable transportation on a global scale.
