Starting in Canada and the U.S., the German automaker will build out an EV fast-charging network with over 400 stations and plans to expand its network to over 10,000 350 kW chargers worldwide by 2030

Mercedes-Benz announced today that it is launching a global electric vehicle DC fast-charging network, with plans to start building the first charging hubs in Canada and U.S. this year.

The company is partnering with MN8 Energy, a U.S.-based solar energy and battery storage operator to help invest over one billion Euros to build out the charging network in North America in the next six to seven years.

By 2027, Mercedes plans to have over 400 stations with more than 2,500 high-power chargers up and running across the continent. Eventually, the OEM wants to expand its network into Europe, China “and other key markets.” The goal is to have more than 10,000 chargers worldwide by the end of the decade.

“Our customers deserve a compelling charging experience that makes electric vehicle ownership and long-distance travel effortless. We won’t take a wait-and-see approach for this to be built,” says Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG in a press statement.

EV charging network technology company, ChargePoint, will be collaborating with Mercedes on this network launch.

ChargePoint already serves as Mercedes’ backend provider in the U.S. for its official charging ecosystem, Mercedes me Charge. The German automaker says it will be leveraging ChargePoint’s expertise to deliver convenient and reliable charging to its customers.

Accelerating EV adoption

Mercedes says its primary motivation in establishing the charging network is to drive global adoption of electric mobility by creating a charging experience for customers that is fast, seamless and secure.

“To accelerate the electric transformation, we need to ensure that the charging experience keeps pace as well,” says Källenius.

The new charging network will be open and accessible to all EV owners. But Mercedes is giving its customers preferred access to its chargers via its Mercedes-Benz Electric Intelligence navigation tool which allows its customers to pre-book a charger in advance.

To further create an easy and convenient charging experience, the charger will include Plug & Charge technology to allow customers to charge their vehicles without a phone app or an RFID-equipped card. Since 2022, Mercedes me Charge users have been able to use Plug & Charge functionality with their EQ vehicles.

Customers that do not have vehicles that support Plug & Charge functions can choose from other payment methods.

Secure, safe and sustainable chargers

Mercedes says that the chargers will be located in “key cities and urban population centers, close to major arteries, convenient retail and service destinations, including participating Mercedes-Benz dealership sites.” Depending on these locations, each charging hub will have from four to 30 DC-fast chargers with speeds of 350 kW.

The facilities will also be equipped with surveillance cameras and shelters in order to ensure a safe and secure charging environment.

Mercedes says it intends to leverage as much green energy as possible at its charging networks with the help of its partner, MN8 Energy. The automaker plans to equip some of its charging hubs with photovoltaic systems to provide electricity for lighting and video surveillance.

MN8 will provide “comprehensive, end-to-end project development, energy management, and exceptional maintenance and operations support to the Mercedes-Benz branded high-power charging network.”

“MN8 Energy is on a mission to provide enterprise customers, such as Mercedes-Benz, with renewable energy and related solutions on their journey to an electrified, decarbonized world,” says Jon Yoder, president and CEO of MN8 Energy, in a press note. “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.”