Mercedes-Benz unveiled plans to launch a global EV charging network, with a goal to reach more than 10,000 high-power chargers across markets including North America, Europe and China. The company aims to have the full network in place by the end of the decade.
The buildout of the new network will begin this year in the U.S. and Canada, with plans to establish more than 400 hubs across North America, with more than 2,500 high-power chargers by 2027. xto be split between the company and partner MN8 Energy.
The announcement follows plans unveiled by the company in 2021 to electrify its automotive fleet, including a goal to go all-electric by 2030, where market conditions allow. The company’s strategy includes investment plans of more than €40 billion through 2030, with spending in key areas across R&D, battery capacity, charging network, and production, among others.
Last year, the company introduced a goal to cut CO2 emissions per passenger car by more than 50% by 2030, and outlined key levers and initiatives it is pursuing to achieve its climate targets, including electrifying its vehicle fleet, charging with green energy, improving battery technology, and the use of recycled materials and renewable energy in production.
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said:
“Mercedes-Benz already offers what we believe to be the finest EVs in the market. But to accelerate the electric transformation, we need to ensure that the charging experience keeps pace as well. Our customers deserve a compelling charging experience that makes electric vehicle ownership and long-distance travel effortless.”
The company stated that the new network is aimed at significantly enhancing the usability and convenience of its new generation of electric vehicles, with the charging hub located in key cities and urban population centers, close to major arteries, and to retail and service destinations. The network will be open to all vehicle brands with compatible technology, but will provide preferential access to Mercedes-Benz customers, through a reservation function enabling charging without wait times and easing long-distance travel.
Partners on the buildout include U.S. solar energy and battery storage owner and operator MN8, which will support Mercedes-Benz goal to maximize access to green charging, and EV charging network technology company ChargePoint.
Jon Yoder, President & Chief Executive Officer, MN8 Energy, said:
“Supporting the development of this exceptional charging experience helps address one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption—range anxiety. With each party playing to their strengths, we are thrilled to embark on this collaboration to expand charging access with Mercedes-Benz and ChargePoint.”
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