Mercedes-Benz Races Tesla With Its Own Global High-Speed EV Charging Network

Owners of electric vehicles all around the globe could soon find themselves stopping for a quick charge at a Mercedes-Benz hub, as the automaker is set to launch a new, open network beginning in North America. 

The project, which comes just months after Tesla made its charging ports available to cars from other manufacturers, will likely be rapid—with the brand planning on opening more than 400 stations hosting 2,500 high-powered chargers across the continent by 2027. 

After this, the luxury label is eyeing a global expansion in the form of over 10,000 plugs worldwide, such as in Europe, China, and other “main markets.” These hubs will offer four to 12 chargers each, though there are plans to ramp that number up to as many as 30.

Naturally, Mercedes-Benz customers will enjoy preferential access at the stations, and will be able to book chargers in advance using a reservation system; though the hubs will remain open to drivers of all other EVs with compatible technology.

As per Car and Driver, this could be the key differentiator from Tesla’s Superchargers, as most of the brand’s 40,000 charging points currently use a specific adapter and are not compatible with EVs from other automakers. 

Markus Schaefer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz, told reporters at CES that one major reason the automaker is willing to shell out billions of dollars to build out the charging network is to eventually offer customers a special EV experience. 

At the moment, drivers are dissatisfied with current charging solutions, and the brand wants to step up to offer safe, clean, and convenient stations “to do things right, the way we think things should work.” 

When the new network is in place, cars equipped with the Mercedes-Benz Electric Intelligence navigation system will find hubs automatically optimized into the route, incorporating the best charging points and even reserving places in advance. 

This means a seamless experience with no waiting time for customers of the manufacturer, together with the system’s intelligent charge-load management feature that will charge each vehicle at its maximum capacity to keep waiting times as low as possible. 

Keeping drivers’ needs in mind, the brand says it plans to build the charging hubs in locations with food outlets and restrooms situated nearby for maximum convenience. Plugs will be covered for protection from bad weather whenever possible, and have security measures in place. 

“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,” explains Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Källenius. 

[via Car and Driver and Mercedes-Benz / Business Wire, images via various sources]