Mercedes-Benz to launch global EV rapid-charge network

Mercedes-Benz has announced it will create its own supercharging network in North America, Europe, China and other key markets in a renewed bid to support its transition to all-electric cars by 2030.

Starting the rollout later this year, Mercedes-Benz says it is aiming to have more than 10,000 high-powered chargers worldwide but has not yet confirmed if the Australian market is part of the program.

The company says the 10,000 chargers will be online before the end of the decade, with each hub offering between four and 30 units.

First to benefit will be North America, where the German car-maker promises that by 2027 it will have opened 400 hubs that will introduce an additional 2500 chargers.

Initially, the chargers will be capable of topping up at the rate of 350kW, but that will potentially be ramped up in future as battery technology evolves.

Mercedes-Benz says instead of locating them on the highway or near traditional servos, the company will position its charging hubs in key urban locations, close to large retail locations and also at its dealerships.

Once up and running, Mercedes says its owners can pre-book a charger for their car, but its new infrastructure will be open to all brands and not limited to Benz models.

Mercedes owners will be able to use their MercedesMe app to pay, charge or reserve a slot at their local hub.

As well as offering charging, the new hubs will contain food outlets, toilets, somewhere to shelter from the heat or bad weather, security cameras and lighting to create a safe and welcoming environment.

“Mercedes-Benz already offers what we believe to be the finest EVs in the market,” said Mercedes-Benz Group chair Ola Källenius.

“But to accelerate the electric transformation, we need to ensure that the charging experience keeps pace as well.”

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