Owners of other EV brands can also use the stations, with 10,000 to be added in North America, Europe and China by the end of the decade in a joint venture with ChargePoint and MN8 Energy.
In view of the fact that everyone is talking about electric vehicles and the necessary charging infrastructure these days, the announcement of Mercedes-Benz's own charging network is particularly timely.
The automaker outlined its plans today at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) event in Las Vegas.
Fast charging stations are not only open to Mercedes, but also to other brands.
Even with the Vision EQXX on display, the big announcement from Mercedes-Benz at CES this year wasn't a new car, but news that the automaker is getting into the high-power charging network game, with up to 350kW.
Mercedes-Benz will launch a new open network of electric vehicle chargers in North America later this year. By 2027, Mercedes plans to have more than 400 hubs or stations operating with more than 2,500 high-capacity chargers or plugs across North America.
The network will expand to more than 10,000 chargers in Europe, China and "other key markets" by the end of the decade, Mercedes said. Initially, Mercedes expects each center to have between four and a dozen chargers, but that number could rise to 30 chargers per center in the future.
The charging network is open to drivers of any compatible electric vehicle and locations will be chosen near major urban areas, close to major thoroughfares and at participating Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
The stations will use Plug & Charge technology, which allows payment data to be sent from the car to the charger without additional interaction, but credit card and app payments are also possible.
Other brands are welcome
Just because the stations are open to all compatible EVs doesn't mean there isn't something special for drivers of EQS or other three-point star add-ons. . For example, drivers of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles can reserve time at a charging station from their car, and the network will “priority to Mercedes-Benz customers”.
From the driver's point of view, the Mercedes EV navigation system can communicate with the charging network, then automatically optimize the route and automatically book charging sessions when needed, so you can be on time and hassle-free. serial fear.
Tesla is a leader in automaker-operated EV charging stations, but almost all of its 40,000 Superchargers use a Tesla-specific adapter and are not compatible with other EVs.
BATCH FORWARD
GM's first EV stations introduce community charging
Charging network of the Rivian Planning Supercharger type
Rivian is also building what is known as the Rivian Adventure Network, but only nine stations are operational. Other EV manufacturers rely on public charging stations operated by independent or partner companies, like Electrify America, which Volkswagen was forced to create after its diesel emissions scandal.
Advertising - Continue reading below
Mercedes will work with MN8 Energy to provide renewable energy for charging stations and with ChargePoint for other technical aspects of hubs and chargers. Mercedes is a shareholder in ChargePoint and the two companies are already working together on Mercedes me Charge technology in the US.
Some of the new stations will feature solar powered lights and security features. Mercedes expects the North American portion of the network to cost a little over $1 billion over the next six to seven years. The Mercedes and MN8 split that cost roughly in half.
Post a Comment