Extensive Mercedes-Benz Electric Vehicle Charging Network in the Works
More conveniently located chargers are coming if you plan on purchasing an electric Mercedes-Benz car or SUV in the next few years. A Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle charging network is coming to the U.S. and Canada this year, with hopes to have the complete network in place by 2030. While the list of most popular electric car charging stations doesn’t include Mercedes yet, that could change by the end of the year. The automaker says it hopes to offer the best possible charging experience, with food outlets, restrooms, and surveillance cameras for increased security.
The Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle charging network will have 10,000 chargers worldwide
The Washington Post reports that Mercedes-Benz announced this week at CES Las Vegas that it plans to build an electric vehicle charging network in North America. The Mercedes-Benz high-power charging network will reportedly cost $1.05 billion to compete with Tesla and the expansive Supercharger network.
Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz estimates the network could take six or seven years to build. After completion, the network will have 400 charging stations and more than 2,500 fast-charging plugs.
After the North American network is completed, Mercedes-Benz plans to expand the network in Europe, China, and other “key markets.” Since the plan is to sell only electric cars by 2030, it also plans to have these networks completed in the same time frame. Ola Källenius, chairman of Mercedes-Benz’s management board, says that means more than 2,000 charging stations and more than 10,000 plugs globally.
The Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle charging network will be open to other brands
You won’t need a Mercedes-Benz to use the charging network. Other EV brands can charge up at the Mercedes stations, but Mercedes owners will get preference. Owners will be able to reserve chargers and get priority over other brands.
Mercedes-Benz will build the electric vehicle charging network in conjunction with MN8 Energy, a solar energy and battery storage operator. ChargePoint will also be working with Mercedes. Each station will have between four and 12 ports with up to 350 kilowatts of DC Fast-Charging.
Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ chief technology officer, says the Mercedes network will address buyers’ concerns about not having enough chargers. It will also address the issue of broken or non-working chargers making trips harder. “We thought we had to go further and take the initiative here and create our branded global Mercedes-Benz network,” Schäfer noted.
The Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle charging network will be conveniently located in important cities, close to major roads and highways. In addition, chargers will be located near retail spots, restaurants, and Mercedes dealerships. Mercedes says, “the facilities will also be equipped with surveillance cameras and other measures to provide a safe and secure charging environment.”
Mercedes has a long way to go to catch Tesla
The Washington Post says that Tesla currently reports 40,000 charging ports globally, but most are for Tesla vehicles only. Elon Musk says there are plans to open to other brands, and some chargers have already added adaptors to allow charging from non-Tesla vehicles.
For the most part, other EV brands “rely on a patchwork of network of privately owned charging stations,” the Washington Post reports. That has created problems for drivers in areas that are well-equipped with chargers.
While the Mercedes charging network isn’t ready yet, the project will be underway soon. Most buyers opt for a home charger if there are no convenient public charging stations nearby. Alternatively, there are some places to charge your electric car for free if you are out and about. Keep an eye out for a Mercedes-Benz high-power charging network if you live in a major city.
