Mercedes to Launch $1 Billion EV Charging Network

(Image: Mercedes-Benz) You might spot a new type of electric vehicle (EV) charging station on your next road trip. Mercedes-Benz has announced plans to launch its own $1 billion global EV charging network. The automaker intends on building its first charging hub in North America and running a “full network” of hubs within the decade.

Mercedes announced that it will immediately begin installing the first of 10,000 high-power chargers across North America, Europe, China, and other major EV markets. These will largely be found in urban areas near retail destinations, major transportation infrastructure, and existing Mercedes dealers. By the end of 2027, at least 400 hubs containing 2,500 total chargers should be operating in the United States and Canada.

Helping to facilitate Mercedes’ mission is MN8 Energy, one of the largest solar panel and battery storage owners and operators in the US, and ChargePoint, a major EV charging network company. Each high-powered charger will possess up to 350 kW of charging power. Mercedes drivers will be able to reserve a spot at a hub in advance to avoid wait times, though other automakers’ EVs will also be able to use the chargers.

(Image: Mercedes-Benz)

Mercedes’ announcement signifies a battle with leading EV company Tesla in more ways than one. Tesla is already the most popular EV automaker in the US and much of Europe, and when most people think of roadside EV charging stations, they think of Tesla’s. But if there were ever a time for Mercedes to take on Elon Musk’s luxury EV brand, it’s now. Tesla’s grip has been slipping on the EV market for a few months, thanks to the introduction of more affordable (yet sufficiently swanky) EVs. Musk’s personal antics are also threatening the success of the company as a whole. These factors combined might offer Mercedes an opportunity to catch up with its more established competitor.

More and more mainstream automakers are buying into the shift toward EVs, and Mercedes is no exception. Last summer it announced that its VISION EQXX concept car had beaten its own range record, completing a 747-mile, multi-country trip on a single charge. Months later, Mercedes proceeded to tamper with its own reputation by announcing it would charge customers $1,200 per month to fully use their vehicles’ existing acceleration capabilities. After all, there are two sides to every coin.

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