Dive Brief:
- Mercedes-Benz will open its first high-power electric vehicle charging stations this fall, including one in Atlanta, the automaker said Monday.
- The worldwide Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network will include more than 2,000 high-power charging points by the end of 2024.
- Mercedes-Benz is also opening two high-power chargers in Chengdu, China, and Mannheim, Germany, this fall. The automaker aims to open over 10,000 high-power chargers globally by 2030.
Dive Insight:
Depending on the region, the charging stations offer charging rates up to 400 kW to minimize charging times, according to Mercedes-Benz. The high-power chargers offer either North American Charging Standard, Combined Charging System 1 or 2, or GB/T plugs — charging standards will vary by location.
Along with the automaker’s expanding high-power charging network, Mercedes-Benz EV customers will gain access to roughly 12,000 Tesla Superchargers in 2024. In July, Mercedes-Benz was the first German automaker to announce it will include the NACS port in its EVs starting in 2025.
“Our goal is to create an infrastructure that offers electric vehicles reliable and easy charging options,” Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG CEO Franz Reiner said in a statement.
The charging network will be open to drivers of all brands following Tesla’s recent decision to open its Supercharger network to Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Ford, Rivian, Nissan, Volvo and Polestar.
However, Mercedes-Benz customers will get additional features, including Plug & Charge capability, which initiates the payment process when a driver plugs in their vehicle and allows them to reserve a charger in advance. In addition, Mercedes-Benz will integrate charger locations and route planning features into the maps of its EVs. Customers will also be able to filter results by charging speed or Plug & Charge functionality.
The charging stations will offer refreshments, snacks, restrooms and other nearby amenities. They will be located in high-traffic areas and at select Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
Last month, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Stellantis announced they would collaborate in a new joint venture to install at least 30,000 high-power chargers along major highways and in urban locations in North America.
