Mercedes Invests €1b For Global EV Charging Network

Mercedes-Benz plans to establish a worldwide network of charging stations, starting in North America. Before the end of the decade, when Mercedes-Benz plans to switch to "all-electric wherever market conditions allow," the goal, according to the automaker, is to build a complete network. This charging network was developed in collaboration between Mercedes and MN8 Energy. Over the next six to seven years, they will jointly invest more than €1 billion (or about £835 million at the current exchange rate) to develop the North American network. There will be more than 2,500 chargers available to drivers at 400 hubs by 2027, according to the plan.

According to a company press release, charging hubs will be positioned near busy thoroughfares and popular shopping areas, including participating Mercedes-Benz dealerships, beginning in the US and Canada. Additionally, other compatible EVs are welcome, though brand customers will have priority access thanks to a reservation feature. "To accelerate the electric transformation, we need to ensure that the charging experience keeps pace as well," Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said in a statement. "Our customers deserve a compelling charging experience that makes electric vehicle ownership and long-distance travel effortless. We won't take a wait-and-see approach for this to be built. That's why we are launching a global high-end charging network."

Supporting the creation of this exceptional charging experience helps address range anxiety, one of the biggest obstacles to EV adoption, according to MN8 CEO Jon Yoder.

Each of the 400+ hubs that are planned will have between four and twelve high-power chargers (HPCs), each with a 350kW charging capacity, depending on the region and location. "The availability of clean energy will be a key determinant of the site's location. Additionally, our collaboration with MN8 Energy will enable that "Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schäfer explains to PCMag.