Its display at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was not as spectacular as that of BMW, for example, but Mercedes-Benz managed to have people at its stand and generate news.
First of all, with the presence of the EQXX, a prototype presented at the end of 2021 and which broke the autonomy record with more than 1,200 km traveled on one charge. The second, with the announcement that it will launch a global high-power charging network in North America, Europe, China and other key markets.
The Mercedes-Benz booth at CES with the EQXX.
This network will begin construction this year in the US and Canada, followed in 2024 in other regions around the world. The goal is to have the complete network before the end of the decade, the date on which Mercedes-Benz wants to become a 100% electric brand.
Mercedes indicates that this high-power charging network will greatly improve the charging experience for customers, accelerate the path to the all-electric future and create an infrastructure asset with great potential for future value creation.
Mercedes-Benz indicates that the charging points will be located in cities and key urban centers, near the main arteries and from major sales and service outlets, including participating Mercedes-Benz dealers.
The German firm believes that this strategic move will improve the ease of use and comfort of its new generation of electric vehicles, it will differentiate the Mercedes-Benz ownership experience and accelerate the transformation of the electric vehicle. The charging network will focus primarily on Mercedes-Benz customers, who will enjoy preferential access through a reservation function and other benefits. However, it will also be open to drivers of all other brands with compatible technology.
Mercedes-Benz cooperation partners include MN8 Energy, one of the largest owners and operators of solar power and battery storage of the United States, and ChargePoint, a leading company in electric vehicle charging network technology. By 2027, a network of more than 400 centers across North America with more than 2,500 high-power chargers is planned to deliver a premium, sustainable and reliable charging experience.
The total cost of the investment in the North American network will amount to just over 1,000 million euros, which will be distributed over the next 6-7 years. The capital will be contributed by Mercedes-Benz and MN8 in equal parts.
